The past decade has shown a significant movement in Hollywood and the music industry in favor of smashing stereotypes surrounding mental illnesses. Many of the most popular musicians of the last century have included mental health issues in their repertoire in an attempt to familiarize listeners with mental illnesses, and encourage acceptance and understanding of individuals who suffer from them.
The Rolling Stones
The Stones made their move by combining dark subject matter with surprisingly cheerful instruments. In the 1966 track, “19th Nervous Breakdown,” upbeat drums and lively guitar create an interesting juxtaposition to the descriptions of mania included in the track’s lyrics.