Exploring Taylor Swift's Reflections on Therapy Through 'The Tortured Poets Department' Album

Taylor Swift Thoughts About Therapy Resurface

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Some people prefer therapy with professional doctors, while others find solace in listening to the latest Taylor Swift music.

On Friday, April 19, Taylor Swift released her 11th studio album titled The Tortured Poets Department. The album touches on themes of past loves, like Matty Healy and Joe Alwyn, while also delving into mental health and the range of emotions experienced in life.

In the song "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart," Taylor Swift, who is 34 years old, talks about the pain of loving someone who doesn't love you back. She shares how challenging it can be to perform on stage every night during a sold-out world tour, especially after her breakup with Alwyn.

In the lyrics, she expresses her feelings of sadness and obsession towards him, even though he avoids her. Despite crying a lot, she manages to stay productive and turn her pain into art. She believes that true talent shines through when you can still give your best, even with a broken heart.

Swift's song "Down Bad" delves into the emotions of being ghosted by a guy, possibly Healy.

In the lyrics, she expresses, "Now I’m down bad, cryin’ at the gym / Everything comes out teenage petulance," and "F— it if I can’t have him / I might just die, it would make no difference."

After the release of her double album with deep lyrics, fans were curious about Taylor Swift's take on mental health. In a past interview with Rolling Stone, Swift mentioned that she has never been to therapy. Instead, she confides in her mom, who has been there for her through everything. Swift values her mom's understanding and they have endless conversations about her life experiences.

Taylor Swift shared that there were days when she had really bad days and would spend hours on the phone. Instead of posting her thoughts, she would read them out loud to a friend.

In a different interview with Rolling Stone in 2012, Swift mentioned again that she has never been to therapy and feels mentally healthy.

Taylor Swift Thoughts About Therapy Resurface

Andrea Swift and Taylor Swift at the 2010 American Music Awards Mazur AMA 2010/WireImage

TTPD isn’t the first time Swift has delved into mental health themes. In 2021, when “Red (Taylor’s Version)” came out, some fans believed that her lyrics in “Forever Winter” were inspired by coping with the loss of a friend to suicide.

In the song, she sings, “If I was standing there in your apartment / I’d take that bomb in your head and disarm it,” followed by “I’d say I love you even at your darkest and / Please don’t go.”

In the album folklore released in 2020, Taylor Swift incorporated strong imagery in the song "This Is Me Tryin" with the lyrics, "Pulled the car off the road to the lookout / Could’ve followed my fears all the way down."

Just before the launch of TTPD, Swift collaborated with Apple Music to introduce five special playlists. These playlists feature songs from her music collection that reflect the different stages of heartbreak: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.

Which song stands out as the best from Taylor Swift's album 'The Tortured Poets Department'? Swift herself describes the depression playlist, named "Old Habits Die Screaming," as delving into the emotions of depression that are frequently intertwined throughout her body of work.

During difficult times, Taylor Swift turns to songwriting as a way to cope with feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. She finds that writing a song helps her process the intense emotions she is experiencing. Despite the challenges she faces, Swift believes that listening to or creating music that captures the raw emotions of loss and despair brings her closer to overcoming those feelings.

Editor's P/S:

Taylor Swift's latest album, "The Tortured Poets Department," has sparked discussions about the value of professional therapy versus seeking emotional support from other sources. While Swift herself has never sought therapy, her music provides solace and validation for those who struggle with mental health issues. Her lyrics delve into the complexities of heartbreak, loss, and depression, offering a cathartic experience for listeners.

It's important to recognize that personal preferences and experiences can vary when it comes to seeking support for mental health. Some individuals find comfort in sharing their thoughts and feelings with a licensed therapist, while others may prefer to confide in trusted friends or family members. Ultimately, the best approach is the one that resonates with the individual and allows them to effectively process and cope with their emotions.