To everyone living with a mental health challenge — YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
100 from New Jersey’s Music World Show Send a Powerful Message through Original Song and Video
Click here to make a contribution that will make a difference
In a powerful display of unity, nearly 100 members of New Jersey’s music industry have come together to release a song and video titled Jersey for Mental Health to raise awareness about mental health and raise funds for the Mental Health Association in New Jersey.
The collaborative effort, spearheaded by 23-year-old Berkley Heights resident John Pullara, aims to break the stigma around mental illness and provide a message of hope and support to people who live with anxiety, depression and other emotional health challenges.
The song was composed by Pullara, along with Kyle McCarthy and Brian McCarthy of Mountainside and Nick Wallace of West Milford, and recorded, produced and engineered at MacBros Music in Union County.
“We want people coping with mental health or drug-related issues, and their loved ones, to know they are not alone and that help is available,” said Pullara. “My contacts in the music world were eager to participate, and we want to show the world that despite our differences, we are a community of caring individuals.”
Jersey for Mental Health features the diverse talents of 73 vocalists (singers and rappers) who each wrote their own lyrics, PLUS an additional 27 photographers, videographers and others who played supportive roles.
“I joined this project and helped compose it because mental health is something that’s very close to me,” Wallace said. “I’ve had problems with drinking for a few years now. I’ve gone to therapy a couple of times, but still even now it’s an everyday battle trying to get through the day and stay sober, sometimes I still don’t always win. I want people to know they can share their problems with people and it’s okay to seek help.”
“Mental health holds a significant importance in my life, as both myself and those close to me have faced our own battles. I’ve lost a family member due to suicide and my sister struggled with eating disorders and major depression growing up. I wanted to be a part of this project to spread awareness to break the stigmas associated with mental health and remind those who are struggling that there is help, hope, and that they’re not alone. I hope that people struggling will see themselves in some of us and feel comfortable reaching out for help,” said Kelly Roche, Kxlly, Jersey City.
With poignant phrases and infectious beats, Jersey for Mental Health conveys a powerful message of resilience, reminding listeners they are not alone in their struggles and encouraging them to seek help.
While the song itself will be free to listen to on YouTube, it will serve as a fundraiser for the Mental Health Association in New Jersey. Listeners will have the opportunity to contribute to the cause through a designated donation link.
“We commend John and his contacts in the music community for stepping up and putting forth this remarkable project. Delivering the message of hope through the music and video of Jersey for Mental Health will inspire people who may not otherwise hear it and will resonate in powerful ways,” said Carolyn Beauchamp, President and CEO of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey.
Jersey for Mental Health is not being sold. To help increase access to mental health care, the creators are encouraging donations to the Mental Health Association in New Jersey.
Click here to make a contribution that will make a difference
About the Mental Health Association in New Jersey
The Mental Health Association in New Jersey is a statewide non-profit organization that strives for children and adults to achieve victory over mental health and substance use disorders through advocacy, education, training, and services. The MHANJ is headquartered in Springfield, New Jersey, with offices in Atlantic, Hudson and Ocean Counties and affiliates in Essex, Monmouth, Morris and Passaic Counties. For more information, visit https://www.mhanj.org.
Donations to the Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) will be used to help increase access to behavioral health services for those in need.
