Choose to Live
Mental Health Conversations in the Christian Heavy Music Scene
Mental health has become one of the most important conversations happening in the Christian rock and metal community. For years, heavy music has provided a space where people can be honest about anxiety, depression, trauma, and doubt.
Bands like August Burns Red, Memphis May Fire, Wolves at the Gate, Islander, and Demon Hunter have helped bring those struggles into the open through their music and their conversations with fans.
One phrase that has begun to resonate throughout the scene is #choosetolive — a reminder that even in the darkest moments, choosing to stay and keep fighting matters.
Several artists and advocates from the Christian heavy music community recently shared their thoughts about mental health, faith, and supporting the people who connect with their music.
Honesty in the Struggle
For Trevor Tyson of Heal the Hurt, learning to recognize mental health struggles was a turning point.
“Awareness has become one of the greatest tools in my life. You cannot heal what you refuse to acknowledge.”
Life on the road and in a band can be rewarding, but it can also be emotionally demanding.
“Band life is both beautiful and demanding.”
To help manage that pressure, his band has made openness a priority.
“We have built a culture in Heal The Hurt where honesty is normal. If someone is struggling, we talk about it. Brotherhood is not pretending everything is fine. Brotherhood is making sure no one carries weight alone.”
Creativity and Mental Health
For James, anxiety became a reality at eighteen after experiencing a severe panic attack. Since then, he has learned to manage it through faith and practical habits.
“Honestly, what helps me most that I’ve noticed is diet, and sleep,” he explains.
At the same time, emotional struggles often fuel his songwriting.
“During those times is when I’m the most creative… almost like my body wants to release whatever is happening.”
His album Testimonies reflects many of those experiences, exploring doubt, grief, and faith.
“As a Christian, I tie the hope of Christ into it as best I can.”
For James, the message behind #choosetolive is simple.
“#choosetolive for me means to never give up the fight.”
Turning Pain Into Purpose
Christian solo artist Matthew Sassano has built much of his music around confronting difficult topics like anxiety, abuse, and identity.
“A large portion of my catalog centers around mental health or related struggles,” Sassano says.
He believes faith and professional help can work together rather than compete.
“Counseling, accountability, routines, and prayer aren’t in competition with each other — they’re meant to work together.”
Through performances at recovery events, prisons, and outreach festivals, he has seen how universal these struggles are.
“What I’ve learned is that pain is universal.”
Breaking the Stigma
For Matt Davis, founder of The EHAMIOTAID Project, the biggest barrier to healing is often silence.
“Know, acknowledge, and accept that you have mental health issues,” Davis says.
His work encourages people to talk openly about what they are facing and seek help when needed.
“Come out of hiding. To come out of denial and into acceptance is a great place for healing to begin.”
Choosing to Live
Mental health struggles affect people everywhere, including the Christian music community. What makes this scene unique is the willingness of artists to talk honestly about those struggles and encourage others to seek help.
As Trevor Tyson reminds people who may feel alone:
“You are not too far gone.”
Sometimes the most powerful step a person can take is simply choosing to stay.
Choose to live.
Leave a Reply