How An Album Saved My Life
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

How An Album Saved My Life

The moment you know, you know, you know

96
How An Album Saved My Life
Flickr

I've struggled with suicidal thoughts since fourth grade. I'm serious. I wouldn't know how/why a 9-year-old would experience that, but I did. I was in a terrible place called public school, and at that time it seemed the only way out was to end it all.

In fifth and sixth grade, I remained in the public school system that refused to accommodate me. Friendless, hopeless, constantly on my guard. But on the bus to and from school every day, I could rely on one thing, as long as my iPod had batteries: David Bowie.

In a world where the people hired to help me would do no such thing, someone far, far away who had no idea who I was always did the trick. It wasn't always easy and there were some close calls, but a voice on an electronic device didn't judge me. A person on a TV screen couldn't hurt me. A face on a poster would always be there for me. People thought it was weird that a 10, 11, 12, or 13 year old girl's world revolved around a British senior citizen, but that didn't bother me. Friends came and went, but I could find David Bowie whenever I needed him.

Of course, he did not and has not cured me. I'm on medicine for depression and anxiety. I receive therapy. I'd go weeks in a spiral of depression, but I bounced back. I still do that. David Bowie does not save my life every single time, but one time he did.

David Bowie stopped making albums in 2003 and stopped touring shortly after. Luckily for me, a new fan at the age of 10 in 2008, I had 36 years worth of albums to enjoy, among other things. Although I had left the evils of public school for a greener pasture that helped me a great deal, I wasn't "cured." The thrill of discovering new albums had disappeared after four years of obsession (although the obsession, of course, did not!). In 2012, I made a loose plan to end my life in 2013. I didn't know when I'd do it, but I was sure that I wouldn't live to see the age of 15.

On his 66th birthday, it was announced David Bowie had made a new album to be released soon. One of the songs, Where Are We Now, was released with the news. I don't recall exactly where I was or how depressed I was feeling at the time, but in seeing the wacky music video and hearing the song, unlike any one he'd made before, I knew that I'd have to stick around to see the rest of it. With the promise of a new album came a vision of the future. He was back. I took it as a sign that I'd have to withdraw from my plan and wait for what would happen next. I didn't believe in an afterlife. The only way for me to see it was to stay alive.

He didn't disappoint. The Next Day came out on March 8th, 2013. I downloaded it after a long day at school. It was unlike anything I'd ever heard before, and it made me feel alive. It was worth the wait. And it came with a promise: he wasn't done. He was only beginning.

While music videos came slowly and left me yearning for him to return to touring, just so I could see him for real, it kept me going. My life wasn't without its struggles and I didn't completely stop occasionally feeling suicidal, but one album helped me get over a hump that I couldn't handle on my own. The anticipation and release of his next and final album, Blackstar, had a similar effect on me my senior year of high school. But withoutThe Next Day, I might not have lived to see it.

There are some voids in life that need to be filled in order for it to go on, and there's a lot of things to fill them with. Drugs, reckless behavior, food, religion, anything. I often consider myself lucky that I chose David Bowie over something dangerous, and continued to do so. Losing him to cancer in January 2016 wasn't easy, but I had gotten to a good enough place mentally to realize that dying wouldn't be productive, and he wouldn't want me to do that as long as I could possibly help it.

Is it weird that I credit a British senior citizen that I never even got close to meeting for saving my life? Sure. But that's who I am—a weird girl who pulled herself out of the depths of hell with a little help. Therapy and medicine were essential and I couldn't have done it without them, but David Bowie filled a void that nothing else could. The Next Day gave me something to live for when it seemed I had nothing. I'm onto greater things now, but when I look back, an album is what to thank.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71259
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133378
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments