Connectedness and resilience in Billie Eilish’s <i>Everything I Wanted</i> – Psychiatry in music

This analysis examines the importance of interpersonal connectedness and resilience as protective factors against suicide through the song Everything I Wanted (2019) by Billie Eilish.Billie Eilish is currently one of the most popular music artists.Billie's songs are deemed quite relatable, mainly to young people.She has always been quite open about her experience with depression since the beginning of her career.Billie's songs, which she mostly co-writes with her brother Finneas O'Connell, have already explored topics such as substance abuse and sleep paralysis.Everything I Wanted (originally stylised in lower case), written by both and produced by Finneas, is one of their most touching songs.It is about a nightmare Billie had, in which she dies by suicide.It is a song about the pressures of fame.However, as they said in interviews, the central theme is their sibling relationship.Concepts such as belongingness, social integration and connectedness are present in various theories about suicide, from mile Durkheim's Suicide: A Study in Sociology (1897) to more recent ones such as Thomas Joiner's Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide (2005).Connectedness often means a connection to others; however, it can also be between individuals and institutions.In Everything I Wanted, the value of connectedness to family in suicide prevention is highlighted.The chorus emphasises Billie's connection to her brother.His act of consoling her, stating how valuable she and her life are, differs from how people behave after her suicide in the nightmare, where they don't grieve for her, as the lyrics mention: 'Nobody cried ( : : : )'; they are also judgemental and insensitive, as shown in the second verse when they call her 'weak'.The neglect lies in the nightmare, not after she wakes up.This contrast shows the importance of her brother's real-life support in comforting her and helping her have the resilience to persevere.The music video reinforces this perspective concerning the siblings' relationship.It shows them holding hands while submerged in water, which means they will always support each other, even during adversity.Symbolically, this passage represents how social support increases resilience.Their bond is a real example of the significance of connectedness and resilience to mental distress.Everything I Wanted demonstrates the importance of connectedness and resilience in helping those with suicidal ideation.It might influence individuals to aid those in need and encourage those suffering to seek help and emotional support.Also, it provides mental health professionals with a culturally relevant tool to connect them more with their young patients.This song tells a pertinent story that has the power to console many people.