Tom Walker opens up about how songwriting helps his mental health

Tom Walker opens up about how songwriting helps his mental health

Tom Walker, the singer-songwriter known for his emotionally charged music, has revealed how writing songs has served as a crucial outlet for his mental health struggles. The 33-year-old artist from Chelford, Cheshire, explained that creating music offered him a form of therapy, allowing him to express both his moments of joy and his deepest challenges. His 2017 hit, *Leave A Light On*, was inspired by a friend battling drug addiction, while his 2024 track *Lifeline* was written in response to the sudden loss of a close friend.

Walker discussed these experiences in his capacity as an ambassador for the suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). He spoke candidly about how personal his songwriting is, emphasizing how the lyrics that once felt intensely individual to him resonated with a much wider audience. *Leave A Light On* became his breakthrough song, amassing over 750 million streams on Spotify and 250 million views on YouTube.

Reflecting on the impact of his music, Walker shared how hearing personal stories from listeners—often heartbreaking but also inspiring—has been a profound part of his journey as a writer. He stressed the importance of opening up conversations about mental health, noting that greater comfort in discussing hardships could help reduce stigma around these issues. He has been actively involved with CALM since 2023, promoting their helpline services, especially during difficult times like the festive season.

The helpline, available for free in the evenings, aims to support people struggling with the pressures that can accompany the holiday period, including feelings of loneliness and seasonal gloom. Walker also highlighted CALM’s advice on combating the winter blues, which encourages people to spend time outdoors, maintain connections, and stay physically active. He urged those who may feel reluctant to seek help not to be ashamed, reminding them that sometimes everyone needs a little support to get through tough moments

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