The Lyrics of Depression: And Finding Your Way Through the Fog

One thing I’ve appreciated through all the work I get to do is learning from my clients. As anyone who has participated in therapy can attest, there’s a lot of learning that goes on in a therapeutic relationship, and its one of my favorite things about being a therapist. 

Often times I hear about jobs, travel, and life experiences that I will in all likelihood never experience myself, but one thing that I always can relate to is music. Music is a universal rope that ties all of us humans together and often times lyrics can evoke those emotions that we weren’t aware we had in the first place.

Recently someone shared the song “Snowbank Blues” by The Backseat Lovers with me and their interpretation of the lyrics was just as captivating as the rhythmic beat and folk music twang of the singer's voice. Growing up a fan of all sorts of live music, Indie Rock music (among others) always catches my ear.

But the lyrics of the song really caught my attention when I heard things like:

“Catching up on sleep’s harder when I’m waking up next to me.”

Or 

“...and there’s somethin’ on my chest, it’s really messin’ with my health. Just because I’m smilin’ doesn’t mean that I am smilin’ for myself”

And that stuck with me. Not because it’s (in my opinion) a brilliant match of lyrics and melody, but because I’ve felt that way. I think most people have felt that they’re not much for smilin’ for themselves at one point or another, but they keep that somethin’ on their chest even if they see its messin’ with their health. 

Thankfully, in my early 20’s I was able to acquire those essential skills that I missed out on growing up. I learned things like emotional regulation and talking about how things are going, especially when they’re affecting my sleep and physical health. I now have the privilege to help others sort through the lyrics of their depressive episodes and see how great the melody can turn out when someone is willing to take suggestions and work to find their way out of depression.

At Mind Works Counseling Services in Lubbock, TX, we specialize in treating depression in men. We are here to help you, support you, and walk with you through the darkest moments. 

Depression is not a weakness.  With the correct support, you can learn tools and techniques to recognize and deal with depression.  We are here for you.  Though it may be dim, there is light in the tunnel.  Let us help lead you to the light.

Learn more about the Depression Therapy services we offer.

Contact us to schedule an appointment or to let us answer any questions you may have.