Tom Walker opens up about how songwriting helps his mental health

Singer-songwriter Tom Walker has spoken out about struggles with his mental health, saying writing music has been his therapy.

Walker wrote about a friend with a drug addiction in his 2017 hit single Leave A Light On, and his 2024 track Lifeline was written after the sudden and unexpected death of a close friend.

“Songwriting was a kind of therapy for me, and I was writing about the things in my life which made me ecstatic, and also the things I really struggled with,” the 33-year-old from Chelford, Cheshire, said.

He was speaking out as part of his role as an ambassador for the suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).

Leave A Light On was Walker’s breakthrough moment, with the song clocking up more than 750m streams on Spotify more than 250m views on YouTube.

“When I first started, I didn’t realise how personal those lyrics would be, when I thought they only applied to me,” he said.

“But that’s the wonderful thing about songwriting, because people find their own stories and their own journey in the words.”

He added: “I’ve heard some beautiful stories over the years, and tragic ones where people have lost family and friends too early.

“Hearing how much that song meant to them is heartbreaking, but also a beautiful thing as a writer.”

Walker added that the more comfortable people can get about sharing the hardships they face, the less stigma there will be around talking about mental health issues.

Talking about CALM, which he started working with last year, he said it has a helpline open over the festive period for anyone who might need it.

“CALM do amazing work,” he said.

“Anyone can ring up the helpline from 5pm until midnight, it’s completely free of charge, and for people who might be struggling or having a tough time.

“There’s a lot of pressure around Christmas.

“It’s dark and gloomy, so it can get too much for some people.”

He also highlighted the charity’s guide on “how to get through the winter blues”.

“It’s all about getting outside, staying connect, and keeping moving, even if it’s just once a week.”

He added: “Some people are ashamed to reach out because they don’t want to burden people.

“If you’re not having a good time, reach out and ask for a bit of help.

“Sometimes we all need a little helping hand.”