Silent Struggle: Did you check on me?

Francess Cowan
4 min readMar 12, 2023
Silent Struggle: Did you check on me? A black woman standing with her eyes closed in the middle of a crowd.
Silent Struggle: Did you check on me? Photo credit/Audiomack

The song “People” by American Cameroonian Libianca, a former contestant in “The Voice,” has gained immense popularity on Tik Tok and other social media platforms due to its relatable message and poignant lyrics.

The chorus, “I’ve been drinking more alcohol for the past five days, did you check on me?” strikes a chord with many struggling with their mental health or going through a tough time.

The second verse talks about how people can hide their pain and struggles behind a smile and a facade, and no one can honestly know what they are going through.

“Nobody wey know di paranoia, oh

’Cause I put a smile on my face

A facade you can never face (hoo)

And if you don’t know me well, well, oh

You won’t see how buried I am inside my grave

Inside my grave.”

This verse resonates with individuals battling addiction, loneliness, anxiety, and depression. The song reminds us to check in on our loved ones and let them know that we are there for them.

This song is a silent cry for help for people battling mental health issues. The song was inspired by the singer’s personal experience of feeling invisible and going through a low point in her life. It resonates with anyone who has ever felt alone or unsupported during tough times. It reminds us that the happiest people can be the ones going through the toughest times, and we need to look beyond the surface to see what they’re really going through.

“People” is more than just a song. We all have our own battles to fight. Some of us may be going through tough times silently, while others may be dealing with more obvious challenges. But regardless of the nature of our struggles, one thing remains true: we all need support. It is a powerful message to check up on one another, be there for each other, and create supportive relationships.

We often underestimate the power of a simple phone call or visit from a friend or loved one. But the truth is, these small acts of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Sometimes, people just need to know that they’re not alone and that someone cares. Sometimes people don’t even want to talk about their problems. They just need someone to be there. Someone to sit with them in silence, to offer a hug, or to share a laugh. These moments of connection can bring a little bit of happiness and comfort to someone who is struggling.

But it’s not just about bringing happiness to others. Sometimes, a phone call or visit can actually help someone make better choices. When we’re going through a tough time, it’s easy to get stuck in our own heads and lose perspective. We may be tempted to make choices that aren’t in our best interest, whether it’s turning to drugs or alcohol, isolating ourselves, or giving up altogether. But when we have someone in our corner who cares about us and wants to see us succeed, we’re more likely to make healthier choices. We’re more likely to seek help when needed, stay connected to others, and keep moving forward.

It is essential to prioritize mental health. In this society, we need to break the stigma around mental health and make it easier for people to open up and seek help without feeling ashamed or judged. We need to create a culture where people feel safe and supported to share their struggles and seek help when needed.

Music has an undeniable ability to touch our souls and help us navigate complex emotions. It can make us feel seen and understood and connect us with others in a profound way. “People” possess a hunting melody of a symphony that reminds us of the importance of checking in on one another, being there for each other, and creating a supportive community where people feel comfortable sharing their struggles. So, let’s take a moment to reach out to our loved ones and let them know that we’re here for them, even if they are putting on a brave face.

So, if you know someone going through a tough time, don’t underestimate the power of a simple phone call or visit. Even if you don’t know exactly what to say or do, just being there can make a world of difference.

And if you’re the one who is struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Seeking help when needed is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength. It takes courage to reach out and ask for help. Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of connection to help us find our way through the darkness.

Together, we can create a world where mental health is a priority, and no one has to struggle in silence.

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Francess Cowan
Francess Cowan

Written by Francess Cowan

Communication professional passionate about mental health and children/youth affairs.

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