( ENSPIRE Music ) An Effort to Help Destigmatize Mental Illness, Paola Proctor Opens Up About Her Personal Struggles
ENSPIRE Contributor: Kate Newman
With her new music video, ‘How Can I,’ Nashville singer-songwriter Paola Proctor reminds us, “it’s okay to not be okay.” Simple in concept and execution, the video allows the message to shine through and connect with those who have been in a similar place. The tragic lyrics match beautifully with the soothing music and Paola’s beautiful vocals. All three work together masterfully with what’s happening on the screen, cumulating in a powerful finale in which Paola reveals her struggles with mental illness and seeking help. Words flash across the screen stating, “I’ve been in therapy for 10 years now, and that’s okay. Talking about mental health is okay. Getting help is okay.”
No matter how hard anyone tries, feelings of heartbreak, disappointment, powerlessness are all feelings tied to the human experience. While it is Unfortunate, negative thoughts such as these are almost unavoidable, no matter how hard anyone tries. It is a small comfort knowing they are as much a part of the human experience as happiness or love, and it is nothing to be ashamed of. ‘How Can I’s’ power resides in its ability to remind listeners that not only are there an immeasurable amount of people that understand these feelings, there are also plenty willing and waiting to help.
While the music is beautiful and a testament to Paola Proctors’ growth into a fully realized artist, it takes a backdrop to her humanity which shines through in every second of the video. Being so vulnerable takes a great deal of emotional maturity and depth. While it was undoubtedly nerve-wracking to show that side of yourself so openly, the ‘How Can I’ video certainly has the power to convey a powerful message to those struggling with their mental health while also destigmatizing it.
