Chris Martin Gets Candid About Depression—Shares 5 Therapy Tricks Helping Him Feel Alive Again

"Lights will guide you homeAnd ignite your bonesAnd I will try to fix you"These lyrics of "Fix You" have resonated with many in the past. Especially for when people were struggling. However, for even the brightest stars, dark days are inevitable. Chris Martin, who is the lead vocalist of Coldplay and one of the most celebrated musicians in the world also opened up about struggling with depression. In an Instagram video which was recorded after a concert in Hong Kong, Martin shared a few simple, but meaningful tools and types which have helped him navigate mental health challenges. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jim Costello (@dr.jimcostello)]]>"We are in Hong Kong... I've noticed that some people lately, including myself, are struggling a little bit with depression. So I wanted to talk to you about some things that are helping me on tour and in life in general, in the hope that they can help you as well."What Tools Have Helped Him?Freeform Writing: Among the methods, he highlighted the importance of freeform writing. It is a practice where one writes continuously on paper for 12 minutes without any judgments and then discards the paper.It is a form of expressive writing, which researchers have also found to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. As per a 2017 study published in Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, expressive writing can help individuals process traumatic or difficult emotions. It can also promote emotional regulation and mental clarity.Transcendental Meditation: Martin also credited transcendental meditation or TM as transformative. It is a form of silent mantra meditation that has shown promising results even in studies too. A 2014 meta-analysis in Current Hypertension Reports found that TM can reduce psychological distress, including anxiety and depression. It is even better with consistent practice. For Martin, it has been a tool to ground himself amid the chaos of touring.The Costello Method: He also notes proprioception, which is the sense of relative position and movement of one's own body. He pointed to the Costello Method, which was developed by Jim Costello, which is used to improve brain-body coordination, especially for those with ADHD and autism. Research on this is limited, however, proprioceptive activities in general like balancing exercises or joint compression have been found to support emotional regulation.Breathing In And Out: Martin also highlighted the book The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown. The book emphasizes on the power of proper breathing techniques. The book also focuses on breathing exercises, especially those promoting nasal breathing and CO2 tolerance. These have shown to lower stress levels and improve resilience. Studies have also linked slow, deep breathing to lower cortisol levels and improved autonomic nervous system functions.Music And Films For Mental Health: He also finds joy in music and films. Of course, this is something we all do, which is why so many have resonated with "Fix You". He also mentioned Music For Psychedelic Therapy by Jon Hopkins for listening and the movie Sing Sing for people to watch. He described these both as uplifting. The power was music have earlier also been well documented. In fact, a 2016 study in the Journal of Affective Disorders noted that music therapy significantly improves mood and quality of life in people with depression.Talking About Mental Health ChallengesThis is not the first time Martin has opened up about his mental health challenges. In 2014, after his divorce from Gwyneth Paltrow, he admitted that he had been facing daily struggles and depression. "There are still many days when I wake up and feel down, but this experience has given me extra tools to keep going," he told to The Sunday Times.In 2023, his partner, actress Dakota Johnson also talked about Martin's strength at the 17th Annual Hope Luncheon. She said, "Chris has been there for me in the most difficult times. There is a gentleness in the way he supports me that I have never found before.”For Martin, music remains his lifeline. “My head tends to be filled with negativity, and music has always been the place where I find some light and meaning,” he shared in an interview with NME. His vulnerability not only humanizes him but also offers hope and practical tools to anyone navigating mental health struggles.

Chris Martin Gets Candid About Depression—Shares 5 Therapy Tricks Helping Him Feel Alive Again

Quick Stories

Heart Attack Deaths Down 90% Since 1970 In US, But These 3 Surging Conditions Are Killing Us Now

6 Ways To Lower Your Cholesterol Levels, Blood Pressure, And Dementia Risk In Just 20 Minutes

Why Over-Tracking Your Health Could Be The New Cause Of Insomnia

Health Conditions A-Z

Hepatitis A Outbreak In Europe: ECDC Confirms Over 2,000 Cases In Austria, Hungary, Czechia, Slovakia

How Did COVID-19 Begin? WHO Probe Still Can’t Identify The True Source

Yoga Poses That Can Help Strengthen Your Forearms To Hold A Long Plank