Artists on Mental Health: Melina Malone – "It’s so important for us all to check in with each other"

Opinion
12 Oct 23

Melina Malone / Photo Credit: Ana Lucia Mondoloni

In a series of mental health specials in recent years, Hot Press has sought to highlight and further the understanding of this enormously important subject. It is an area that has only come more to the fore in the music industry, and the creative sector in general, with an increasing number of musicians and artists speaking out about their experiences. But with such a complex and layered topic, there is always more to discuss. In our new Mental Health Special, we hear from a selection of Irish artists, who fill us in on their experiences and share their ideas for growing the discussion.

MELINA MALONE
Singer

"In Ireland at the moment, there are so many people who I feel are struggling with depression. Post-Covid. It’s so important for us all to check in with each other and realise, Ireland is so small and we have to be there for one another. The more everyone talks about mental health, the less stigmatised it is. And for people with a platform, it can only be a good thing for us to continually highlight the importance of mental health, and being transparent and honest about it.

"For me, the writing process is definitely a relief. What keeps me grounded is when my work actually leaves the studio, and I see the real life, human reactions to it. That’s where I gain a lot of strength, and I feel the most at home as an artist, especially performing. That’s what I love to do. But the writing process and the time in the studio can be very taxing. It takes a lot out of you, and it feels like sometimes you’re pouring everything into this work.

"The longer I’ve been doing this, the more I realise how important it is to be in touch with how you feel. And ultimately, it should be fun. I know people say that, but when you have a deadline, or you’re trying to make something that’s really important, you kind of forget that you should be enjoying yourself. I’m happy to take breaks and to let myself heal.

"For example, this body of work took a lot out of me and I haven’t really been writing lately. I’ve really accepted the fact that’s not a problem. Artists go through loads of phases where they’re not being creative and that’s okay too. You just have to listen to your body and listen to yourself and know that it will come back.

"The biggest fear for artists, is like, 'What if I never write a song again?' But you will! So I give myself the grace when it comes to my process and know that it will be there waiting for me when I’m ready to return. Even with the pandemic and everything that’s happened. Periods of trauma don’t necessarily always bear the best fruit. You don’t necessarily have to write your best work after that. Look after yourself."

Read the full Mental Health Special in the current issue of Hot Press: