[Song Review] AleXa “i’m okay”
The female powerhouse has released her latest single, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month.
Images throughout: ZB LABEL.
Making her mark on the music industry with her multilingual debut “Bomb” in 2019 and a win on NBC’s American Song Contest in 2022, AleXa has won the hearts of fans worldwide.
Now, her latest release “i’m okay” acts as a heartfelt anthem for fans who may be struggling with their mental health.
Drawing from her own experiences with bipolar disorder, AleXa shows an authentic and vulnerable side that invites listeners to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and embrace the journey towards healing.
“This song is a love letter to those struggling with mental health,” says AleXa, “and it comes from a place of honesty and understanding.
She continues: “I, myself, struggle with bipolar disorder, so I know the ins-and-outs and ups-and-downs of facing your darkest demons. More often than not, when approached with the question, “How are you?,” our default response is,“I’m okay.”
“I want this song to show that the conversation doesn’t have to stop at “I’m okay,” and that it’s okay to be honest and to seek help when necessary.”
The lyrics of “i’m okay” tell a powerful story of struggling with your own inner demons and not feeling able to get help, even when it’s needed: “It hurts to admit but when I’m laughing it’s pretend / I don’t know my mind anymore. I’m okay, I’m okay / Tell the doctor stay away. I don’t wanna find out, I don’t wanna calm down / Let me start over.”
With it’s heavy drum-led chorus and AleXa’s signature powerful vocals, it’s difficult not to fall in love with this song upon first listen. By the second, you’ll find yourself singing at the top of your lungs crying cleansing tears.
There are several standout moments in “i’m okay” where AleXa’s own struggle with mental health is evident, adding to the overarching empathetic feeling the single utilises to reach out to fans. One such lyric that tugs at the heartstrings is: “I don’t wanna talk now / Figure this all out / It feels like I’m going down.”
Despite being known for her powerful vocals, there’s a beautiful quality to the way AleXa sings this track leaving the raw emotion palpable.
The daughter of a Korean adoptee, AleXa is an American singer, songwriter, and life-long dancer. She made her solo debut on October 21, 2019 with the single “Bomb” which broke into the Top 10 of Billboard’s “World Digital Song Sales Chart” within its first week of release.
In 2020, AleXa signed with ICM Partners setting her global debut in motion. The singer is also set to make her acting debut on the second season of Netflix’s chart-topping horror anthology series “Goedam”.
If you, or someone you know is struggling with mental health please reach out for help. You are not alone.
United States Helplines:
National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 or text NAMI to 741-741
Crisis Support Services national helpline: 800-273-8255
SAMHSA’s National Helpline (substance abuse and mental health): 800-662-HELP (800-662-4357)
Teen Line for youth in need of support: 800-852-8336
United Kingdom Helplines:
NHS: 111
Find a local NHS urgent mental health helpline (England only)
Anxiety UK: 03444 775 774
Breathing Space (Scotland): 0800 83 85 87
SupportLine for emotional support on any issue: 01708 765200
Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393
Rethink Mental Illness advice line: 0808 801 0525
SANEline national out-of-hours mental health helpline: 0300 304 7000
Philippines Helplines:
Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA): +63 2 921 4958
National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) crisis hotlines: from landline call 1553, from cellphone call: 0917-899-8727, 0966-351-4518, or 0908-639-2672
In Touch Philippines free and anonymous 24/7 crisis line: +63 2 8893 7603, +63 917 800 1123, or +63 922 893 8944
Natasha Goulbourn Foundation HOPELINE PH 24/7 Suicide Prevention and Emotional Crisis Line: 2919 for Globe/TM, 0917.558.4673, 0918.873.4673, or (02) 8804-4673
Tawag Paglaum – Centro Bisaya 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotline: Smart/Sun: 0939-9375433, 0939-9365433, Globe/TM: 0927-6541629
India Helplines:
Mann Talks to speak with a trained mental health professional: +91-8686139139
AASRA 24/7 helpline and directory: 91-9820466726
Samaritans Mumbai helpline for those who are stressed, distressed, depressed, or suicidal: +91 84229 84528, +91 84229 84529, or +91 84229 84530
The MINDS Foundation for those experiencing mental health problems: 18005-477-200
Jeevan Aastha Helpline for mental health counseling: 1800 233 3330
Childline India for children, teens, and adults concerned about them: 1098
iCALL Helpline for professional and free mental health counseling: 9152987821
Voice that Cares Psychosocial First Aid (PSFA) Helpline: 8448-8448-45
KIRAN Ministry of Social Justice mental health helpline: 1800-599-0019
Vandrevala Foundation support for mental health: +1 256 666 2142 or +91 9999 666 555
