Essex rapper supported by EPUT writes songs to help others with mental health conditions

A rapper who suffers with psychosis says music has stopped him from drug taking and has been his therapy.

Jay Taylor, who performs under the name Perspective, has been making music about how he deals with his mental health, in the hope it will support others.

The 25-year-old from Essex was diagnosed with drug induced psychosis in 2019 and has been supported by specialists at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust for the last four years.

Jay has found that writing down his thoughts, fears and feelings and creating rap music has really helped with his therapy.

He said: “I have always had a passion for rap and my idol was Eminem. His songs were written so well, especially ‘Lose Yourself’ and ‘When You Are Gone’, and I soon found I had a talent for writing in a similar style.

“Unfortunately my psychosis developed from drug use and got worse when I was high.

“It is a really scary experience to go through but I found that writing my songs gave me something to focus on and it was a great way for me to express how I was feeling.

“I have been sober and clean now for a while and it’s down to my passion. It is keeping me in a mentally stable state so I don’t need the drugs any more.

“With all my songs, the words are true to my heart, mind and emotions and I am really hoping that the words will help others who suffer with psychosis like me and make them realise they are not alone. It can be a very lonely place.”

He added that if people are "battling with their mental health", they should seek help.

Jay is exploring how he can use his music, music videos and photography to help others in their recovery from psychosis or addiction. He is planning to produce 12 more music videos of his songs under the working title of TTPS (The Perspective Project).

Psychosis is when people lose some contact with reality. This might involve seeing or hearing things that other people cannot see or hear (hallucinations) and believing things that are not actually true (delusions).

Jay wants to be a force for good and hopes that his music will help others open up about their mental health.

To watch his music video please click here.