The Fan With Ptsd Who Said “Monster” Helped Them Breathe Again

April 1, 2025

For as long as I could remember, music had always been my escape. As a child, I would spend hours lost in the melodies of my favorite songs, feeling like I could dance away any worries. But everything changed one fateful night when I was in a terrible car accident. The world around me spun out of control, and in what felt like an instant, I found myself grappling with something much more frightening than physical injuries: PTSD. Simple things like loud noises or crowded places sent me spiraling back to that night, leaving me breathless in panic and fear.

Then, one evening, while I was scrolling through my phone, I stumbled upon a song titled “Monster” by the artist Shawn Mendes. I was intrigued by the title, feeling a strange connection to the word. I clicked play, and the music washed over me in a way I hadn’t experienced in years. The haunting lyrics were about battling inner demons and finding the strength to confront them. As Shawn’s voice filled my room, I felt a flicker of hope igniting inside me. Each verse seemed to mirror my own struggles, as if he were speaking directly to my heart. For the first time in a long time, I could breathe easier.

Listening to “Monster” became a ritual for me. I would sit with my headphones on, the world around me fading away as I delved deep into the emotions of the song. I learned that Shawn Mendes had written it during a difficult time in his life too. It was incredible to know that someone so talented had faced darkness and still managed to rise above it. His vulnerability made me feel less alone in my struggle. Whenever the weight of my fears felt too heavy, I found myself turning to his music, and it became a lifeline, a reminder that it was alright to fight back against the shadows.

In time, with therapy and the power of music, I began to reclaim my life. I started going out more, facing crowds and loud noises head-on. It wasn’t easy, but every time I found the courage to step out of my comfort zone, I remembered the message of “Monster”: that while we all have our battles, it’s how we rise up that defines us. Shawn’s own journey inspired me to embrace my scars instead of hiding them; they were a part of my story now, much like the emotions woven into every note of his song.

Eventually, I began to share my own story, using the power of music to connect with others who had faced similar struggles. I held small gatherings where I played some of my favorite songs, including “Monster,” and invited people to share their journeys. It was incredible to see how music could unite us, serving as a reminder that we are not alone. Shawn Mendes’s song had helped mend the broken pieces of my heart, and through that healing, I was able to inspire others to confront their own monsters.

Today, I live with a newfound sense of purpose and passion. Music is no longer just an escape for me; it is a source of strength. I’ve learned that even in the darkest moments, there is light to be found, and sometimes it comes from the unlikeliest of places—a song, a lyric, or a shared experience. Thanks to “Monster,” I can breathe again, and I will never stop fighting to help others find their breath too.