Dear Ed Sheeran, Thank You for Your Impact on My Mental Health

Dear Mr. Ed Sheeran,

For a few months, I’ve been wanting to share how your music has inspired my own creativity, even if you never end up reading this fan mail. I’m almost 35 years old, and I’m pretty sure this is the first time I’ve ever written to a person of your status, but here goes!

Though I’m a relatively recent fan of yours (late to the party —sorry!), I feel like I’ve caught up on your musical style and the nature of your public image fairly quickly. Ironically, I thought to write you only hours before you announced your break, and now I’m finally putting my thoughts on paper. I know you’ll be off social media, but maybe someday, somehow, you’ll come by this. And since you may be someone who appreciates to hear how your music has touched the lives of other people, I wanted to share the many ways you have inspired my own creativity.

First, I emotionally identify with several of your songs, which inspired me to write a personal story on the digital health community The Mighty. In a nutshell, I wrote about how my experiences with anxiety are mirrored in your lyrics, as well as how important some songs have been in promoting my self-care. More recently, I learned I may be on the autism spectrum, and my strong affinity for your music over recent months can be explained as one of my special interests.

Second, your music inspired the design of my pinewood derby race car, during my son’s Cub Scout adult competition. Not only was your music the inspiration for me trying something new (and using many new power tools!), but the drive to give your guitar justice helped encourage me through the late night hours of completing this project. And, not only did I race your guitar at my competition, the hollowed-out car was designed to fit a Bluetooth speaker that exclusively played Sheeran tunes during each heat (to intimidate other racers!). In case you’re wondering, no, it wasn’t the fastest car that day, but for me, the project was all about the creativity.

Thirdly, I recently adapted your song “I Don’t Care” for a work event of mine. In fact, back when “I Don’t Care“ was frequently on the radio and I became immersed in all your music, I was driven to pick up my old guitar and reteach myself for the first time in about 20 years. And yeah, I mainly practice learning your songs. I have a toddler, so sometimes I play a toddler tunes, too (though my kids love “Nancy Mulligan”). I’m excited to be enjoying an instrument again, and my husband even gifted me my own Little Martin Divide!

Fourthly (I won’t say “finally,” because your music is sure to continue inspiring me in other ways), your music and its positive impact on my self-care and mental health advocacy, inspired me to apply for a TED-Style Talk at my workplace about the power of mental health transparency. And I am humbled I have been chosen to present my story as a Talk this spring 2020. I thought my act might resonate with you, as someone who has also publically addressed the importance of mental health appreciation and self-care, through your various lyrics and beyond.

To close, I want to wish you a relaxing and enjoyable sabbatical from the studio/show world. Though I may have become a fan too recently to catch your last tour, I am hopeful to see you perform live some number of years from now. I know how important downtime, family time and personal time are; I wish you, Cherry and the cats all the best and hope to see you one day at a show.

Gratefully,

Tory Williams