Chris Martin: Artists On Mental Health

No matter who you are, even if you’re the voice of one of the biggest bands on the planet – there are still days when everything feels grey. For Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay, not everyday will be “all yellow”. 

Chris made a very thoughtful video on Coldplay’s social media earlier this year, opening up about his depression and expressing that many of his fans and countless others will feel this way too. He shows genuine compassion and understanding of these topics, even in just a few minute video.

Men are often taught to be ‘tough’ and to ‘man up’, which makes it much less likely for them to reach out when they’re struggling – but bottling things up makes everything feel so much worse. When men in fame, like Chris, open up about their feelings and experiences with mental health, it breaks down the stigma for ordinary men. 

“Hi, this is Chris from Coldplay. We’re in Hong Kong… I’ve noticed that some people lately, including myself, are struggling a little bit with depression”,  he says in the video, “So I wanted to talk to you about some things that are helping me on tour and in life in general, in the hope they can help you as well.”

He goes on to mention a list of simple yet personal tools he uses to help with his struggles. What’s beautiful about his advice is that it’s very achievable for everyone to try – simple things like music and writing your thoughts down and burning the piece of paper. Personally, I have struggled with depression, in fact that is why I found comfort in Coldplay's albums. I am fully aware that a lot of people, like myself, cannot afford therapy – so the advice Chris gives feels especially attentive and considerate for the average listener.  

Moments like this are excellent reminders that music is more than just entertainment – it’s a healer, and something that brings people together. Coldplay’s music has always carried themes of hope, sadness, vulnerability – any emotion, you name it, they’ve written about it. Chris opening up about his struggles is just as important as the music. I hope it shows fans that it’s okay to feel, to struggle and seek out help. 

This isn’t the first time Chris has openly spoken about his struggles in day-to-day life. In an interview with The Sunday Times, after his divorce, he vulnerably shared how difficult it was to start over. "I used to wake up every morning depressed. There are still many days when I wake up and feel down, but this experience has given me extra tools to keep going”, he says.

By speaking so openly about his experiences, Chris reminds us that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Chris Martin’s compassion, honesty and comforting music, serve as a reminder that we are not alone. Sometimes, simply hearing someone admit their struggles, helps others too. 

And remember, you don’t have to be Chris Martin to be vulnerable and help others. In the UK, suicide is the leading death for men under 50. Perhaps, everyone should share what they do and what helps them – for every little thing makes a difference. I’ll go first: when I feel down, I listen to my favourite music and I let myself cry. It is so important to cry, and I’ve already introduced you to the man with the perfect crying songs. I feel like holding back tears will only make you feel much worse.

 But in the end just try to remember, you are never alone in your struggles.

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Suicide is the biggest killer of people under the age of 35 and the leading cause of death for men under 50. It is also the leading cause of death for 10–19-year-olds in the UK. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please reach out. You are not alone.

Helplines (UK):

• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight) or visit thecalmzone.net.

• Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free) or email jo@samaritans.org.

• Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258.

• National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: Call 0800 689 5652.

• Papyrus HOPELINEUK: Call 0800 068 4141, text 07786 209 697, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.

• Mind Support Line: Call 0300 102 1234 (Mon–Fri 9am–6pm).

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Written by Amy Croft for Ceol Magazine!