Taylor Swift released her 11th studio album titled The Tortured Poets Department on April 19th, which explores themes of mental health and emotions. The album features songs like “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart,” where Swift sings about unrequited love and the toll it takes on one’s mind. She also touches on being ghosted in the track “Down Bad,” expressing feelings of teenage petulance and potential thoughts of dying if she can’t have the person she desires.
Although the lyrics of The Tortured Poets Department may suggest personal struggles with mental health, Swift revealed in an interview with Rolling Stone that she has never been to therapy. Instead, she has relied on conversations with her mother to work through difficult times. Swift stated that her mother has been a constant source of support and understanding throughout her life. Despite the challenges she has faced, Swift has expressed feeling “very sane” in previous interviews and has never felt the need to seek professional therapy.
The album is not the first time Swift has addressed mental health in her music. In songs like “Forever Winter” from the re-recorded album “Red (Taylor’s Version)” and “This Is Me Tryin” from the 2020 album “folklore,” Swift has explored themes of loss, depression, and self-reflection. These tracks contain powerful imagery and emotional depth that resonate with listeners and showcase Swift’s ability to connect with her audience on a personal level.
Leading up to the release of The Tortured Poets Department, Swift collaborated with Apple Music to create exclusive playlists representing the stages of heartbreak: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. The depression playlist, titled “Old Habits Die Screaming,” features songs from Swift’s discography that touch on themes of loneliness, hopelessness, and loss. Swift explained that writing and listening to songs that reflect these intense emotions can be a way for her to process and move past feelings of depression.
Swift’s willingness to address mental health topics in her music and share her own experiences with fans has resonated with many listeners. Through her lyrics and interviews, Swift has provided insight into her coping mechanisms and the importance of seeking support from loved ones during challenging times. The Tortured Poets Department showcases Swift’s ability to navigate complex emotions and create music that speaks to the universal experiences of heartbreak, loss, and healing.
