It is typically hard to talk to others about the suicide of a loved one. Music is one medium that can be therapeutic. One young singer-songwriter decided to deal with his grief by writing a song about his father to deal with his grief and help break the stigma of depression and addiction. In 2016, Logan Smith’s brother broke the news to him about his father’s suicide. He struggled with alcoholism on and off which led him to constantly mending his relationships with those around him. Years when Smith’s father was sober, he would teach his son about music and they would play together. Smith’s father was also dealing with the loss of his own parents and brother as well as working a job he was not happy with. Smith thinks that this was what led his father to relapse back to addiction. When Smith’s father committed suicide, it was hard to talk to others about it. He channeled his emotions not only through counseling but also through music. Smith was pursuing a music degree at Shenandoah University in Virginia. It was hard for him to continue songwriting as his father was his musical advisor. Then the lyrics came to him as a ballad for his dad called “What If You Had Stayed” which is about his struggle with connecting to his father after his death. The verses are in the point of view of his father speaking to his son. The chorus is Smith questioning what would happen if he was still with his son. Smith dropped out of college to pursue his musical career full-time and “What If You Had Stayed” became a single in 2018 as well as a new album called “What If.” Singing about his father made it a lot easier for Smith to deal with his father’s death. He would speak to audiences about his father during shows with composure and honesty. Smith’s mission is to destigmatize suicide and addiction. Smith and his band completed their first tour and will tour again during the spring. By being able to perform his own song about his father’s suicide, he is one step closer to breaking the stigma of depression and suicide by letting others know about it and that no one is alone. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health issues or addiction, now is the time to reach out for help. At Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals who understand addiction in all its forms. The Arbor uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, and at The Arbor, you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit so you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us today at 844-413-2690.