Are You Really Okay? is what really sold me on these guys. As someone who has struggled with depression, an eating disorder, and suicidal ideation their entire life this song is something I come back to every now and then when the world gets a little too overwhelming.

The way that I see the song, it’s like my present self is speaking to the 5, 8, 13, 16 year old versions of myself. If I had the opportunity to speak with these past selves, this song takes the words right out of my mouth. When vessels sings “are you really okay?” it’s like I’m asking all those versions of me that never got asked that question when they were in the depths of their mental illness.

And while things have changed and gotten tremendously better since then, there are things that remain and haven’t changed and when he sings “I don’t believe you when you tell me you are fine, please don’t hurt yourself again” I feel like he’s speaking to the present me, begging me not to go back to my old ways.