Do I have a mental illness? No, I personally have never been diagnosed with a mental illness. But should that stop me from writing music about it? I believe the answer is a resounding no. Mental illnesses affect all of us, directly or indirectly, and that makes it an important topic to discuss, whether or not we’ve experienced it ourselves. The music I’ve written aims to raise awareness about mental illness, evoke understanding, and give a voice to those who may often be overlooked.
Why did I write this album? Well, we’re in the year 2024, and although we’ve made tremendous progress in many areas, the way we deal with people suffering from mental illness is still often problematic. Of course, things have improved—society is more accepting, and therapeutic and medical resources are more available. But despite these advancements, in my eyes, people with mental illnesses are still stigmatized.
It’s incredible that even in such an enlightened time, we still struggle with prejudice and misconceptions. How is it that someone suffering from severe depression can still hear phrases like, “Oh, just snap out of it!”? These kinds of responses reveal a deep ignorance about what it means to live with a mental illness. Depression, anxiety, personality disorders—none of these are choices, nor are they phases that simply fade away if one just „tries harder.“
The idea behind this album is to give these issues a platform, to bring more attention to what it truly means to live with a mental illness. It’s not about trivializing or romanticizing the suffering of those affected. Instead, it’s about showing how complex and profound these experiences are, and how they impact not only those who are suffering but also their loved ones. Music is a powerful medium that can speak directly to our emotions, and I hope that the songs on this album will reach people, provoke thought, and perhaps foster greater understanding.
Another reason I felt compelled to write this album is that I have people in my life who have suffered, or still suffer, from mental illness. I’ve witnessed how these individuals often suffer silently, how they feel isolated because their pain isn’t fully understood by others. These experiences have shown me how important it is to talk about mental health, and how much still needs to be done to dismantle the prejudices surrounding it. Every person deserves to be heard and understood, especially when they are going through such a difficult time.
Now, let’s address why I named this album Psycho. Is that not derogatory? At first glance, it might seem so, but I believe it’s necessary to provoke a little in order to be heard. The word “psycho” is often used in a negative, derogatory context, but that’s exactly what I want to challenge. Why is this term so heavily associated with negativity? Why do we immediately link it to images of danger, unpredictability, and insanity? People with mental illnesses are not “psychos” in the traditional sense, and that’s precisely the point: We need to redefine the meaning of terms like this and change how we talk about these issues.
By choosing such a provocative album title, I hope to draw people’s attention to what really matters: the understanding and acceptance of mental illness. It’s not about shocking or offending anyone, but about sparking conversations and bringing this issue to the forefront. Only in this way can we help break the stigma and contribute to real change. Mental illness is not taboo—it’s part of life, and we need to learn to accept and engage with it.
Another reason I chose the title Psycho is because sometimes we need to use harsh words to describe harsh realities. People living with severe mental illnesses often experience incredible suffering, isolation, and misunderstanding. It’s a reality that’s dark and difficult, but it needs to be brought to light. Music can be a powerful tool to make these experiences more tangible and to raise awareness among those who may have never fully considered the challenges that affected individuals face every day.
Ultimately, I hope that this album plays a small part in raising awareness about mental health and fostering a broader discussion in society. We all need to start educating ourselves more, learning how these illnesses affect those who live with them, and understanding that no one chooses to walk this painful path. Only through education and mutual understanding can we create a more inclusive, supportive society where everyone, regardless of their mental health, has the chance to live a fulfilling life.
Thank you for your support, and I truly hope this album resonates with you. Let’s keep the conversation about mental health going, and remember – we’re all in this together.