This summer, mpower staff and volunteers reached out to thousands of young music fans about their mental health through the Vans Warped Tour.  We asked concert-goers to tell us how music has played a positive role in their lives and to also share their thoughts about common myths and stereotypes and how we should address them through mpower.  Check out what some of them had to say:  

Do you have an example of when music lifted your spirits, made you feel accepted, or improved your outlook on life?

" Every time you listen to music its giving you a chance to see something the way someone else does.' - Leah, 21
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Music is a good stress reliever. I have trichotillomania, and playing guitar keeps me from pulling my eyelashes out." - Brenna, 16
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"This relationship where I pushed a guy away and now regret it; I started listening to one of his favorites, Ryan Adams, and the songs helped me move on. Lots of songs just inspire me to live life to the fullest when I was seriously depressed." - Sarah, 16
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"If U C Jordan" meant a lot to me and my friends because of a personal experience. We would change the lyrics and blare the music to cool down about how angry we were." - Lydia, 14
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"Music helped me get through the abuse in my life. I can lose myself in it. My problems dissappear." -  Danielle, 16
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"Music helps me realize I'm not alone. When someone I respect sings about the feelings I'm feeling it gives me hope." - Courtney, 16

What is the biggest stereotype about mental illness among your peers?

"That people who have mental health problems are stupid and should be outcast by their peers. A disability is not stupidity." - Jen, 22
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"It can't happen to you." - Lucian, 17
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"That it's their fault." - Matthew, 19
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"That if people listen to music that is different or wear different clothes they are going through a phase, but we usually have a problem and won't "grow out of it." - Jeremy, 18
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"Kids are mean and it's just something you have to go through in life. Its a bunch of s***and no one deserves to be picked on, period." - Desirea, 18
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"It's just in your mind, faking for attention." - Seth, 18
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"Good grades/smart= happy" - James, 18
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"That depression is bull and people make it up for sympathy."  Lauren, 16
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"Being depressed is too often mistaken for just being angry." - Kasey, 16

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"That we are all druggies." - Mike, 16

How can we let young people know the truth about mental illness?

"Letting kids know that suicide is not a way out and that there are other ways of coping with stress would really help." - Chris, 22
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"Encourage everyone, even people who feel fine, to talk to a counselor occasionally." - Rachel, 18

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"Make psychology a required course." - Jessica, 18
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"Make songs about getting help." - Samantha, 21
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