I listened and identified with a lot of punk music growing up, so when a friend introduced me to The Grateful Dead, I was all “ew, no thank you”. However, once they were in their instrumental improvisational jams, I found my mind free of its racing thoughts. Not knowing what is going to happen next gave me so much frisson, the shivery good feeling you get when music does something unexpected.

In the concert scene, I meet many other people who have mental illness and use music as a relief; you can find them in the audience and onstage. So if you are sad and lonely, get down to a show and be a part of the community. We are waiting for you!

photo taken at 1st Bank Center, Broomfield, Colorado