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, which has since been relaunched as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The original song, off Logic’s album Everybody, helped him score his highest charting hit to date 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 awareness of mental health issues.
From Bad Bunny’s “Estamos Bien” to Residente’s “René” and more, here are some of the Latin songs that address 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.
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Aterciopelados, “Luz Azul”
Image Credit: Isabel Infantes/Redferns In “Luz Azul,” the Colombian rock band sings about seeing the positive side of life when everything goes wrong: “If you ran out of gas/ If you got mugged on the corner/ If a thorn pierced deep into your soul/ Oh, if things get rough, remember/ Life is rose-colored/ The sky is blue/ Space is full of light.”
Listen to the song here
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Bad Bunny, “Estamos Bien”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Bad Bunny released his empowering anthem “Estamos Bien” with a special message on social media: “Many times we’re sad and we don’t know why and it’s simply because we forget about the simple things in life. I’m human just like you! And even though I’ve done many big things there are smaller ones that I have yet to achieve. And it’s those smaller things that give happiness,” he said.
Listen to the song here
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Beéle, “Algo Bueno”
Image Credit: individuaph/5020 Records Beéle’s “Algo Bueno,” which translates to “something good,” reinforces growth and maturity through healing. He sings about making his peace with losing friends and feeling empty, but always having the strength and desire to show his best version. “Something good is coming,” he repeats in the chorus, further chanting about his purpose in life and achieving his dreams thanks to the angels who guide him.
Listen to the song here
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Chiquis, “Eras Más”
Image Credit: Emilio Sanchez In “Eres Más” (“You Are More”), Chiquis dedicates a song to her younger self that also serves as a very important reminder: “You could sing it to yourself, to your old self. You could sing it to a friend, to your sister. We all need a song to remind us of our power, that we are magic. Somos magia, somos mujeres, somos raíz (We are magic, we are women, we are roots),” she previously told Billboard Español.
Listen to the song here
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Daddy Yankee, “En el Desierto”
Image Credit: Courtesy DY Records In “En el Desierto,” Daddy Yankee passionately sings and raps about battling his challenges, anxiety and depression with faith, all while building his resistance. “When I faced what I feared/ I realized I was not as weak as I had believed/ Lord, help me see that You are always there/ Clear away my confusion, and bring me back to You,” the Puerto Rican artist sings.
Listen to the song here
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Dale Pututi, Randy Malcom, “Bendecido”
Image Credit: Ahmed Rodriguez A far more uplifting song, “Bendecido” by singer and producer Dale Pututi and Gente de Zona’s Randy Malcom is an electro-merengue about feeling good and being blessed — as well as their loved ones being good. On the track, the Cuban artists say in the chorus: “I am doing well; I am blessed/ I ask nothing of anyone, for I go out and get what is mine/ The life I dreamed of is the one I am giving myself/ And blessings to all those who are talking.”
Listen to the song here
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Diego Torres, “Color Esperanza”
Image Credit: John Parra/GI for The Latin Recording Academy “I know that the windows can open. Changing the air depends on you and it will help you and it’ll be worth it,” sings Diego Torres in his song “Color Esperanza” which has become an anthem of hope and resilience.
Listen to the song here
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Elena Rose, “La De Dios”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo In “LLa De Dios,” in which she’s joined by a potent gospel choir, Elena Rose sings about the beauty of optimism and patience, and all it’s wonderful outcomes: “Because God has a plan for you/ Even if you can’t see it/ Nothing happens just for the sake of it — look at the tide/ It rises and falls, never stops, is always there/ Just like you, right where you’re meant to be.”
Listen to the song here
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Francisca Valenzuela, “La Fortaleza”
Image Credit: Jesus Soto Chilean singer-songwriter Francisca Valenzuela released a diary-style album that includes “La Fortaleza” as the closing track to the set. “Everything that has happened has gotten me to where I am now. I look forward and bury the guilt. I leave, pack my bag and take a deep breath. I don’t look back,” she sings. The song is about knowing self-worth and understanding you are enough.
Listen to the song here
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Jarabe de Palo, “Bonito”
Image Credit: Miguel Tovar/LatinContent via Getty Images “Bonita la vida, respira, respira, respira,” is the simple message that the late Pau Dones of Jarabe de Palo sends in this 2003 single, reminding fans about the beauty of life and the importance of breathing. The song is an up-tempo, feel-good alternative track that speaks about enjoying the simple things.
Listen to the song here
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Kany García & Natalia Lafourcade, “Remamos”
Image Credit: La Buena Fortuna Music The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter teams up with Natalia Lafourcade for the beautiful and powerful song “Remamos,” which talks about a new beginning and leaving behind what has brought you down or hasn’t allowed you to be your true self.
Listen to the song here
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Karol G, “Mientras Me Curo del Cora”
Image Credit: Pablo Escudero On her 2023 album Mañana Sera Bonito, Karol G opens up about going through tough times in the opening track “Mientras Me Curo del Cora.” “Give me time/That I’m not at my best/But I improve little by little, yes/Today I’m down, but I know that tomorrow will be more beautiful,” she sings at the beginning. Backed by feel-good melodies, the Colombian artist reflects on the importance of being surrounded by positive and supportive people on her journey to healing.
Listen to the song here
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Kendo Kaponi, “Resistencia”
Image Credit: Fernando Lugo Kaponi’s new song “Resistencia” takes listeners on a journey about his life in prison and the depression he suffered behind bars. “Court didn’t understand my position and they sentenced me to prison. Christmas in depression and segregation,” he raps.
Listen to the song here
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KHEA, “Eclipse”
Image Credit: Ivan Resnik In an emotive comeback track called “Eclipse,” KHEA belts lyrics about losing himself but yearning to find himself again. “Who is the one in the mirror?/Every time I look I see him further away/With more complexes since you left/Since that day I live in a bloody eclipse,” he passionately chants.
Listen to the song here
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Logic, Juanes, Alessia Cara & Khalid, “1-800-273-8255”
Image Credit: Mario Alzate Juanes joined Logic for the Spanish remix of his powerful track, for which the song’s title is the phone number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. “There are people in this world that are trying to get through difficult situations and most of them probably are alone — probably they don’t know what to do,” Juanes told Billboard. “Music is always going to be that way to connect with ourselves and the rest of the world, and just find some help through art because art is such a powerful weapon.
Listen to the song here
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Pedro Capó, “Calma”
Image Credit: @asulprusia “Calma” not only highlights the beauty of Puerto Rico and tells the story of a tropical romance in its lyrics, but it is also about “going to the beach, disconnecting, and being present,” Capó previously told Billboard.
Listen to the song here
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Residente, “René”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and rapper released an introspective song with raw lyrics about depression and dark moments in his life. Writing the personal track was “therapeutic,” he previously told Billboard. “When I fall into depression, I tell my problems to the window of the plane. Stress has me sick, I haven’t slept in 10 years,” he sings.
Listen to the song here
