Summit Wellness Artist Spotlight: Noah Kahan

By Sarah Swirsky - Summit FM Wellness Coordinator

What Can We Learn from Noah Kahan’s Mental Health Journey?

Don't let this darkness fool you
All lights turned off can be turned on

'Call Your Mom' - Noah Kahan

Noah Kahan's lyrics in "Call Your Mom" serve as a poignant reminder that even when life feels bleak, and the lights seem to have gone out, there is always a glimmer of hope waiting to be ignited.

Kahan recently sold-out a show at Blossom Music Center, in Ohio, where over 20,000 fans attended, showcasing the profound impact of music in creating unforgettable moments. Brad Savage, Program Director and On-Air Host at The Summit FM, was also in attendance, sharing that “The Summit was an early champion of Noah's music, going back to his early years on the road as a touring troubadour. We were definitely the first radio outlet in Ohio to support his records. I think his music has really struck a chord with so many listeners because of the raw emotion and feeling of the songs and lyric.”

Indeed, Kahan's raw emotions and heartfelt lyrics resonate deeply with listeners, reflecting his authentic and vulnerable approach to songwriting. Kahan has been candid about his struggles with mental health, openly discussing his battles with anxiety, depression, and the challenges of finding the right mental health care. On Instagram and other platforms, Noah shares details about his mental health journey, aiming to destigmatize these issues and offer support to others facing similar challenges.

 “I can’t remember when it started, but I’ve been dealing with anxiety, depression, and mental health issues my entire life. I’ve been on medication since I was 13 or 14, on and off. I’ve been going to therapy since I was eight years old.”

In an interview with ‘Sounds of Saving,’ Kahan talked about how hard it was to find the right therapist. “It wasn’t until I actually had [deeper] conversations with therapists that I realized that I hadn't really ever had a real conversation with a therapist before”, adding that “A therapist is great, but they are only human, and they can only really do as much as you are willing to do yourself. It's a symbiotic relationship, you must be willing to be vulnerable for them to help you navigate those insecurities."

Writing for Time Magazine, he shared how making music he loved again, returning to therapy, and resuming medication helped him regain control over his mental health. Yet, achieving balance remains an ongoing journey for Kahan. As an artist, he grapples with an "inner rhythm" that associates creativity with a certain level of sadness.  Before antidepressants, he feared losing the "sadness that creates the music,” asking himself “What do I value most? Writing a song or living in a sustainable way?”

Today, Kahan prioritizes harmony between his mental health and creative pursuits. The launch of The Busyhead Project, in May 2023, shows his commitment to supporting others facing similar challenges and combating the stigma surrounding mental illness.

 “When I had the opportunity to become a musician and for my music to be heard by many people, I made it my goal to do that for others if I can. To write lyrics that are honest about my challenges and hopefully help someone be honest about their own. Because I know I desperately needed that when I was a kid.”

Reflection from mental health therapist and Summit Wellness Coordinator Sarah Swirsky, MSW, LSW

Noah Kahan's career and story offer a realistic yet hopeful narrative of resilience and artistry in the face of mental health challenges. By showcasing bravery and vulnerability through openly sharing his personal struggles, Kahan helps de-stigmatize mental health care, embrace vulnerability, and find our own inner balance. 

In the interviews discussed above, Kahan highlights a common struggle among creatives: finding equilibrium between well-being and artistic drive. In a world where artistry is often equated with suffering, Kahan's reflections encourage us to see that true artistry can also thrive when the artist is whole and healthy.

Kahan’s journey also sheds light on another important aspect of mental health care: the common struggles of finding and engaging in accessible and suitable therapy. While the stigmatization of mental health treatment has decreased over the decades, labor shortages in the mental health workforce, and increased demand, have left many Americans struggling to find affordable therapists who possess the necessary expertise, and with whom they feel a personal connection.

While research shows that certain methods (what we call “evidence-based practices”) are crucial for treating specific mental health disorders such as OCD, PTSD, and mood disorders, the primary determinant is the quality of the relationship between client and therapist. A strong connection with a therapist can inspire the vulnerability needed for deeper conversations, but this connection does not always develop with every individual.

In my work as a therapist, I frequently reassure my clients that it is perfectly normal if they do not immediately feel a strong connection with me—forming therapeutic relationships is much like forming friendships. We simply will not connect with every person, so finding the right therapist often involves a challenging process of trial and error. Kahan's insights also emphasize that therapy requires collaboration, with both the therapist and the client actively participating. Success in therapy hinges on honesty and a commitment to "do the work" outside of sessions.

As a therapist myself, I also find it important to recognize that talk-therapy may not be suitable for everyone at all times. We all experience different phases and readiness for change in life. Thankfully, emotional expression can be found in many different forms other than talk-therapy. Art forms such as writing, journaling, drawing, painting, and music, are all wonderful forms to release and express emotions. As Kahan titles his Time Magazine article, “Putting Words to My Mental Health Struggles Saved Me.”

Ultimately, Kahan's story highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health and the benefits of vulnerability and creative expression. Each person may discover solace and healing through various paths, whether it involves artistic outlets, talk therapy for emotional processing, or seeking medical support when needed. Perhaps music can serve as a source of inspiration and courage for us all to embrace vulnerability, and explore our emotional depths.

Sources:

https://www.soundsofsaving.org/news/noah-kahan-interview

https://time.com/collection/time100-voices/6322240/noah-kahan-depersonalization-mental-health/