As a band of four, Country group, Parmalee, is used to getting by with a little help from their friends and that includes when times get tough.

In solidarity with Audacy’s mental heath initiative, 'I’m Listening,' lead singer Matt Thomas recently opened up about some of his best mental health care practices which includes leaning on his bandmates.

“The tools I’ve used to help me navigate challenges [are] mostly talking to the people who are close to you that you confide in,” he shared. “Also, just as important for me [is] exercise [and] health and fitness. If I can get a good workout in a lot of times that brings the stress level down of what I’m goin’ through.”

On top of leaning on those he’s known, Thomas also expressed how important it is to reach out to mental health experts in crisis. “One of the most important things I’ve learned about mental health over the last few years is it’s OK to talk about it and there are platforms and people out there to help you out [ with] whatever you need.”

Audacy's 'I’m Listening' initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Additionally, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988. Find a full list of additional resources here.

Words by Monica Rivera

While speaking with KROQ host Megan Holiday backstage at Almost Acoustic Christmas 2024, The Smashing Pumpkins members were asked how they each keep their personal mental health grounded these days as the world sometimes feel like it’s turning into chaos. Frontman Billy Corgan laughs, “Well, I write depressing records, so let's get that out of the way.” Guitarist James Iha says he’s started following different kinds of sports. “I've been following the NBA now more lately,” he explains. “NHL, well, I like baseball a lot, but now I'm just getting into all sports. I'm just gonna stop looking at the news.” Drummer Jimmy Chamberlain, however, has a different approach adding, “I jump on my Ducati!”

Our friends at the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health are all about hope, recovery, and well-being, and they're here for all of us. Get emotional support, service referrals, and crisis counseling simply by calling their 24/7 helpline at 1-800-854-7771 or for more information, visit www.dmh.lacounty.gov.

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Audacy

Backstage in the 2024 Almost Acoustic Artist lounge with hosts Megan Holiday and Nicole Alvarez, Beck tells us that he’s recently been keeping his brain in check by meditating. “A good friend of mine got me some TM [Transcendental Meditation] classes, which I did. But I haven't been doing it, so I have not transcended unfortunately, but I really would like to… I don't know, I'm probably a bit of a nature person, and then also my friends. You know, just being with my friends.”

Our friends at the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health are all about hope, recovery, and well-being, and they're here for all of us. Get emotional support, service referrals, and crisis counseling simply by calling their 24/7 helpline at 1-800-854-7771 or for more information, visit www.dmh.lacounty.gov.

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Audacy

While chatting with host Megan Holiday backstage in the 2024 KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas Artist Lounge sponsored by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, 311 ‘s Tim Mahoney tells us that in order to keep his mental health in check, “You gotta be outside more than you’re inside, if you can help it. Or at least fight that fight. It can be as easy as that, you know, just to get out of your routine, whatever. Take a walk, find a hike, bring a homie, talk to the birds.” Frontman Nick Hexum adds, “turn off the screen.”

Our friends at the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health are all about hope, recovery, and well-being, and they're here for all of us. Get emotional support, service referrals, and crisis counseling simply by calling their 24/7 helpline at 1-800-854-7771 or for more information, visit www.dmh.lacounty.gov.

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Audacy

Forever on the road it seems, Jimmy Eat World frontman Jim Adkins tells KROQ host Kevan Kenney backstage at KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas 2024 that for his own mental well being, “You just gotta listen to what your body is saying, I think, and then act on that. It usually comes in the form of breaks or setting aside time. Not overextending yourself, not overworking. ‘Leave while they’re still clapping’ is a mantra that you can kind of apply to a lot of different areas of your life. It is really important to keep the place that music comes from protected because it's supposed to be fun. We do what we can to try to keep it fun, and usually that means stepping back and trying to focus on other areas of life than just trying to be the best band we can.”

Our friends at the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health are all about hope, recovery, and well-being, and they're here for all of us. Get emotional support, service referrals, and crisis counseling simply by calling their 24/7 helpline at 1-800-854-7771 or for more information, visit www.dmh.lacounty.gov.

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Audacy

Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos tells KROQ host Megan Holiday backstage at Almost Acoustic Christmas 2024 that there is one thing he can always lean on in life: “My friends that really keep me together. I think we're very lucky being in a band with people who we get on with, people who we trust, and you know, people who you can open up to as well.” Bassist Bob Hardy adds, “I like running… exercise on my own, listening to a podcast. It took me a long time to realize that it's actually fun.”

Our friends at the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health are all about hope, recovery, and well-being, and they're here for all of us. Get emotional support, service referrals, and crisis counseling simply by calling their 24/7 helpline at 1-800-854-7771 or for more information, visit www.dmh.lacounty.gov.

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Audacy

Backstage at KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas 2024 with the Klein.Ally.Show, AWOLNATION’s Aaron Bruno tells Ally, a new mom herself, “I read a book about motherhood, actually, because I have identical boys. I have two, right, and someone recommended this book and in it, it said no matter what happens, you give yourself the two minute rule. So, if all hell's breaking loose and it feels like the world's collapsing all around you, usually within two minutes it'll be fine.”

Our friends at the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health are all about hope, recovery, and well-being, and they're here for all of us. Get emotional support, service referrals, and crisis counseling simply by calling their 24/7 helpline at 1-800-854-7771 or for more information, visit www.dmh.lacounty.gov.

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Audacy