Challenger Deep

 In support of October being National Depression Education & Awareness Month, singer-songwriter Sydney Franklin will be releasing a new single, “Challenger Deep”, along with an official music video on Friday, October 26th. 

“I’ve decided to team up with the ADAA because their focus is primarily on two things, anxiety and depression,” says Sydney. “I myself have struggled, and am still struggling, with both. If there’s even one person I can help out there I’d count that as a win. It sounds odd, but helping other people is healing to me.” She cherishes her ability to use the platform that she is most passionate about—music—to act as a voice of hope for those who are facing or have faced the same battles. 

Sydney wanted to write a song that illustrated an intimate conversation between herself and her maternal Grandmother Pat, who also suffers from anxiety and depression. The two had been taking the same form of antidepressant medication for two and a half years, and the song portrays the similar reactions they had to the medication such as fogginess and odd, vivid and recurring dreams. The term “challenger deep” is the deepest known point on earth, residing at the ocean’s floor - in this case, the lowest and deepest point of someone’s depression. At the beginning and end of the song, Grandma Pat makes an appearance with a voicemail that she had left Sydney after not hearing from her for a couple of days. The voicemail came after the two’s last visit, where Sydney discussed with her grandmother about some of her highs and lows she had been experiencing, and Grandma Pat wanted to check in and make sure she was doing ok. Having dealt with anxiety and depression for the past 3 years of her life, Sydney is striving to make a difference in the way people view and talk about mental health. 

“Sometimes I need to step back and take a dose of my own medicine,” she says. “But talking about and working through diseases like depression and anxiety, have helped me get to where I am today.” 

Sydney originally began her education at Berklee College of Music, but unfortunately needed to withdraw her sophomore year due to her battle with depression. By doing so, this was her chance to focus on herself and gain control over her mental health. 

“I believe in what ADAA is doing, and love how they write articles on specific situations that us or a loved one has faced. For example, something so specific as holiday parties; the social anxiety many of us feel, fight and even sometimes let win. They’re not only talking about real issues we all come across, but they’re also suggesting coping mechanisms and tricks to help all of us through hard times. They’re making us feel a bit less lonely.” 

Sydney’s new track, “Challenger Deep”, is her way of coming to terms with her struggle and how far she has actually come despite her ongoing battle, as well as her way of bringing awareness to a conversation that she holds close to her heart.

Listen to "Challenger Deep' on Soundcloud here. 

Share Your Story and Voice and Help #breakthestigma Around Mental Health

Support ADAA's Mission - Every Gift Makes an Impact