Latin artists have long addressed mental health issues through their music. In 2017, Juanes joined Logic, Alessia Cara and Khalid for a bilingual version of “1-800-273-8255,” named after the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The original song, off Logic’s album Everybody, helped him score his highest charting hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 3. As Juanes told Billboard at the time of his rendition’s release, “I think these days when everything’s about dancing and having a good time, it’s fresh to find a hit song like this one that’s talking about serious issues.”
The following year, Bad Bunny’s “Estamos Bien” quickly became a go-to uplifting anthem, with the superstar posting on social media with its release: “Many times, we’re sad and we don’t know why and it’s simply because we forget about the simple things in life.”
And in early 2020, Puerto Rican rapper Residente released his poignant autobiographical “René,” on which he talks frankly about depression and dark moments in his life. Writing the personal track was “therapeutic,” he told Billboard that year.
These artists are just a few of the many who have worked to help destigmatize the topic of mental health. For Mental Health Awareness Month — which is observed in May — Billboard’s Latin editors have compiled a list of songs on which artists speak of their personal struggles, and in doing so, help raise mental health awareness.
From Bad Bunny’s “Estamos Bien” to Residente’s “René” and more, here are 10 Latin songs that touch upon the topic.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health or substance abuse disorders, reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration‘s national helpline 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential treatment referrals and information. For those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and/or distress, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255. You can also call or text 988 to get connected to trained counselors.
