Letting Go: How to Use Music to Navigate Grief and Depression

Written By Bradford Talley

I remember the first time I realized that I could have my depression, but also be grateful. I had mistakenly thought these two things were mutually exclusive. But this revelation was life-changing.

I decided that I was going to list three things each morning that I was grateful for. Sometimes, I would write them out, other times just speak aloud to the room. I found that I often named more than three, and then throughout the day, I noticed myself adding to that list.

The mind and spirit love repetition. It paves a path for behavior to follow.

You can do the same with music.

A few years ago I experienced a lot of emotional hurt. I felt misunderstood and isolated. Looking back, it was a time of profound growth - and often those times are accompanied by pain.

The time came when the storm began to dissipate, and the clouds began to soften. And I started to see some light finding its way through.

But I was tired, and still walking wounded. This Angie McMahon song found its way to me during that time, and I decided, just like the gratitude list, I would begin my day by listening on repeat.

If you're feeling in a similar state - I suggest adding this song to your daily routine. From the opening riff, you can feel your spirit wanting to move.

"I've been learning about letting go.

"The song builds in emotional intensity before breaking down and offering what I think is an essential part of the letting go and moving on process...

Forgiveness and permission.

"It's okay, make mistakes, make mistakes."

Bradford Talley

Bradford is a licensed professional counselor at Nashville Integrative Therapy in Nashville, TN. He works with adults, young adults (16+), couples, and families. He has a particular passion for supporting artists, creatives, and entertainment industry professionals, as well as couples navigating communication challenges, life transitions, OCD, anxiety, depression, religious trauma, and both traditional and non-traditional relationships.

Bradford earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lipscomb University. His therapeutic orientation integrates psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, narrative, and solution-focused approaches, allowing sessions to be both insight-driven and practical.

At the core of Bradford’s work is a relational, collaborative approach. He believes healing begins with understanding the stories we carry—and together, clients explore patterns that may be limiting growth, build new perspectives, and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. His work emphasizes authenticity, emotional depth, and sustainable change.

Outside of work, Bradford enjoys making music, writing, reading, watching films, playing video games, and taking long walks on the greenway with his dog, Gracie.

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