Bell Let’s Talk Day, on Jan. 25, is a day to end stigma and start a conversation about mental health — and to raise funds to support mental health initiatives across the country.
Talking about mental health includes reaching out to friends and loved ones who may be suffering, and letting them know they are not alone and that you are there for them.
One way to send a message of support is through music.
In 1972, Bill Withers sang a simple but important message: “Lean on me / when you're not strong / And I'll be your friend / I’ll help you carry on.”
MORE: 11 Music Stars Who Talk About Mental Health
Here are six songs perfectly suited to share with someone you care about:
“COLD WATER” - Major Lazer (feat. Justin Bieber & MØ)
Written by Ed Sheeran with seven others (including Justin Bieber), this 2016 single from Major Lazer features the vocals of Bieber and Danish singer MØ. It’s a song about supporting those who are dear to you, no matter what they’re feeling or going through.
“If you feel you're sinking / I will jump right over into cold, cold water for you,” sings Bieber. “And although time may take us into different places / I will still be patient with you / And I hope you know / I won't let go / I’ll be your lifeline tonight.”
“YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND” - Carole King
Written by Carole King for her 1971 album Tapestry, this song’s title says it all. It’s a reminder to anyone who needs it that they’re never alone.
“When you're down and troubled / And you need some love and care / And nothing, nothing is going right,” King sings. “Close your eyes and think of me / And soon I will be there / To brighten up even your darkest night.”
“FIX YOU” — Coldplay
Chris Martin and his Coldplay bandmates wrote this song for their 2005 album X&Y and he later described it on a VH1 special as “probably the most important song we’re ever written.” It’s about wanting to make things better for a loved one who is going through loss — or anything emotionally difficult.
“If you never try you'll never know / Just what you're worth / Lights will guide you home / And ignite your bones / And I will try to fix you,” Martin sings.
“SWIM” — Jack’s Mannequin
Not giving up is the important message of this 2008 song from California band Jack’s Mannequin.
“You gotta swim / Swim in the dark / There’s no shame in drifting / Feel the tide shifting and wait for the spark,” sings Andrew McMahon. “Yeah you've gotta swim / Don’t let yourself sink / Just find the horizon / I promise you it's not as far as you think.”
The song reminds those who need it that there are reasons to keep going. “You gotta swim / Through nights that won't end / Swim for your families / Your lovers your sisters / And brothers and friends.”
“PEOPLE LIKE US” — Kelly Clarkson
“Hey everybody loses it / Everybody wants to throw it all away sometimes,” Kelly Clarkson sings in this 2013 song.
Penned by James Michael of Sixx:A.M. with Meghan Kabir and Blair Daly, the fist-pounding track makes the point that no one is suffering alone.
“And hey, yeah I know what you're going through / Don't let it get the best of you, you'll make it out alive.”
"FIREWORK” - Katy Perry
This 2010 anthem from Katy Perry’s hit album Teenage Dream is all about lifting up someone who needs to know they’re brilliant.
Perry, who wrote the song with four others, has said “it has a great beat but it also has a fantastic message.”
She sings: “You don't have to feel like a wasted space / You’re original, cannot be replaced / If you only knew what the future holds / After a hurricane comes a rainbow.”
Bell Let’s Talk is an initiative of Bell Media, parent company of iHeartRadio in Canada.