During a conversation with Audacy, We Can Survive 2024 performers New Kids On The Block discussed how conversations about mental health have evolved throughout their career, as well as how music has played a part in maintaining their mental health.
LISTEN NOW: I'm Listening: New Kids On The Block
“Big time,” Joey McIntyre noted, “I think there's like less stigma attached to it," Jordan Knight added about the differences he’s noticed.
He continued, “I think with media and with the technology, a lot of people are getting bombarded with just messages, just getting lost in their cell phones and maybe not communicating or being social enough. And I think that's probably what's maybe contributing to some of it.”
With that said, Jordan did note, “But I do think what's good about it is that people are more open as well with social media, they're just like telling their story on social media and they're reaching out and… it’s like a community. People are helping each other out. It's more like it's normal, like just talk about it."
As for how music has played a part in maintaining their mental health. “It's a great outlet for all of us. When we make an album, when we write songs, I know Joey can attest, we really are able to express a lot," Donnie Wahlberg shared.
“When we did our reunion in 2008, I mean, I was acting and doing a whole different career, and I was going through a lot in my life," Donnie continued. “Music really helped me get through it, it helped me express myself, it helped me vent, it helped me deal with a lot of different things.”
“But, you know, we hear it all the time from our fans too. I can't tell you how many fans have come up and said your music was there when I was at my lowest point and that music helped get me through it."
Noting, “Of course, we always like to acknowledge our fans for having the strength to have gotten through whatever they were going through. I think our music may have been a little helper, but they actually did the hard work.” Before reiterating, “Whether you're writing it or listening to it or performing it's a great outlet to deal with a lot.”
“But again, that’s not gonna be the answer for everyone.” Circling back to how much mental health conversations and practices have changed, Donnie continued. “As Jordan was saying, it's a different time now people can share more, there's more resources, there are more places for people to reach out. I mean, when we were kids, there was nothing… nowhere to reach out.”
“In fact, if you said you were having mental health struggles, you'd probably be told to shut up and get on stage or, you know, deal with it,” Donnie said. “It was a different world, but fortunately now it is different, and hopefully music experiences and musicians, and just getting the word out can help people to know, if we can deal with it or if we can express our vulnerabilities, it will encourage other people to do the same."
New Kids On The Block are part of the impressive Audacy We Can Survive 2024 lineup alongside Justin Timberlake , Benson Boone , Tate McRae , Khalid , and Isabel LaRosa . Making it’s return for it’s 11th year, We Can Survive supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention , because talking about mental health has the power to save lives. Taking place on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Get tickets HERE .
Listen to Audacy's We Can Survive and more on the free Audacy app
Audacy's I’m Listening initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Additionally, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988. Find a full list of additional resources here .
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