A snippet taken from The Lancet Psychiatry, claims that lyrics about overcoming hardships and struggles offer a refuge for the desperate, while ‘rapping’ problems acts as an emotional outlet.
Originating in the South Bronx area of New York during the early 1970s, the music, with links to gang warfare, drugs, glamorizing violence and objectifying women, has never claimed to aim at health.
A spokesperson from the University of Cambridge says the lyrics reflect the issues faced by people brought up in areas of deprivation, poverty, marginalization, crime and drugs—key risk factors for mental illness.
The lyrics reflect the world Hip-hop artists see, and express a means of breaking free to a place they want to be. The academics at Cambridge claim the bleak vision created by artists can reach people who feel in an equally hopeless place.
The positive visual imagery is being investigated by the University of Oxford. The patient is encouraged to use the power of their imagination to help them through difficult times, including through depression and bipolar episodes.
The psychotherapists are keen to take HIP HOP PSYCH into prisons, schools, and hostels to promote positive self-esteem through engagement with hip-hop artists.
Now, I wouldn't listen to hip-hop. But we all have different tastes and different circumstances. Just like we all feel depressed at certain times of our lives. It's the human condition. You can read an excellent article on how depression affects the body here. My thanks go to Healthline for the link to the infographic. The interactive chart allows you to pick the side effect you want to learn more about.
Never be afraid to seek help. Major depression has a serious effect on your life.
I have a big life change looming ahead, but refuse to allow depression to take over. I've had low periods, but I've faced my fears and have decided to live each day with courage and appreciation. How about you?