Songs to Bust Stigma
What is Songs to Bust Stigma?
Songs to Bust Stigma is a project that seeks to raise awareness of mental health stigma through the use of music. By making public some songs that I have written about mental health, I am hoping to create a world where there is no shame in getting help for any type of mental health condition.
To listen to the songs for this project, visit my YouTube channel here.
For updates about the Songs to Bust Stigma project, follow my Instagram account here.
What is Mental Health Stigma?
Mental health stigma is the belief that mental health conditions are shameful or disgraceful. Stigmatizing attitudes often stem from a belief that people with mental health conditions are dangerous, abnormal, weak, or attention-seeking. This can cause people with mental health conditions to become afraid of admitting that they are struggling because they are ashamed or embarrassed, often leading to a reluctance towards seeking the help they need in order to become mentally healthy. By putting a stop to mental health stigma, we may be able to save lives.
Location
I am located in Frederick County, Maryland, and I am raising awareness on behalf of our local organization, the Mental Health Association of Frederick County. I will be performing my songs at venues such as open mics around Frederick.
About Me
Songs to Bust Stigma is a project by Avery Powers. I am a student at Oakdale High School in Ijamsville, Maryland. I have watched a close friend of mine struggle greatly with her mental health, and have since become passionate about the issues of mental health and mental health stigma.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank:
John Bromhal, who has been instrumental in helping me to shape this project and share my music.
Shannon Aleshire and Suzi Borg from the Mental Health Association of Frederick County for giving me guidance and furthering my knowledge on this subject.
Joel Newman, who helped me record, mix, and master Me vs. Myself and taught me to start producing songs on my own.