This Suicide Awareness Song Saved Over 200 Lives In The US, Says Study

A song made by American rapper Logic called "1-800-273-8255" may have helped prevent many deaths in the United States, a study has found. The song's title refer to the US suicide prevention helpline in the US. "I don't wanna be alive, I just wanna die today," Logic sings on the song.

"I want you to be alive. You don't gotta die today," Logic sings as the song progresses. Joined by hip hop artist Khalid and RnB singer Alessia Cara, the song's message is clear - that things can get extremely difficult, but there's always something to look forward to.

Rapper Logic / Billboard

Song spread awareness about suicide prevention

The song took the internet by storm when it was released in 2017. Following a linear pattern of storytelling, the song's narration focuses on finding the will to live again in the face of adversity.

Now, a study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) claims that after the song took off, the suicide prevention helpline noted 9,915 additional calls and a reduction in the number of suicides across the US was recorded.

Check out the song below

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¡°All these events gave widespread public attention to the message of the song ¨C that help from Lifeline is available and effective,¡± the study's authors wrote.

A considerable change recorded after song's release

According to the study, 1-800-273-8255 recorded a call volume increase of 6.9 per cent during the 34-day period when the song garnered public attention.

In addition, a decrease of 5.5 per cent in suicide rate across the US was also recorded during this time. This means that there were 245 few suicides during the peak popularity of this song.

Also read: Climate Change Is Spiking Suicide Rates And Infectious Diseases: Study

According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Google searches for its helpline recorded a 10 per cent increase in the 28 days following the song's uptick.

iStock

Music really has the power to trigger meaningful conversations. If you agree, let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of science and tech, keep reading Indiatimes.com.

If you know anyone battling with depression or other mental health issues, please reach out to someone who can help. AASRA Foundation: 022 2754 6669 Samaritans Mumbai: +91 84229 84528 / +91 84229 84529 / +91 84229 84530 Sanjivini Society for Mental Health: +911124311918

Citation

Reporter, G. S. (2021, December 16). US rapper Logic¡¯s song 1¨C800-273-8255 may have helped prevent hundreds of suicides, study finds. The Guardian.