NAMI PIERCE COUNTY PRESENTS May Mental Health MonthA viral challenge to bring mental health awareness & destigmatize mental illness

Coup Contrecoup

~ Life is a trauma response.

Coup Contrecoup is a Post Hardcore/Nu-Metal hybrid from Tacoma, WA whose mission is to destigmatize the mental health crisis one song - one story - at a time. With musical influences ranging from Rage Against the Machine and Deftones to Pink Floyd and Childish Gambino, they use a mix of rock, punk, hardcore, metal, hip-hop, and art to transform their inspiration into an exclusive sound all their own. But what makes them stand out from the crowd more than their unique, eclectic style, is their commitment to spreading their message through their music and lyrics.

In 2017, former roommates and longtime friends, Jon Veitch (Lead Vocals) and Christian Ballard (Vocals/Guitar) joined forces to begin a project that would transcend their passion for music. As fellow band members, Ian Speckmaier (Guitar), Nicole Valles (Vocals/Bass), and Thomas Horn (Drums) came on board, they turned their focus toward using their music to break the stigma associated with having a mental illness. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, ADHD, or a combination of other issues, they have all struggled with mental illness in one form or another. They understand the pressures people face and want to let fans know they are not alone in their fight. Their mission is to connect with their fans by creating lyrics and music that resonates deep within and allows them to feel comfortable about wanting to get help. 

In addition to uniting with fans through their music, Coup Contrecoup also dedicates time outside of the studio to help raise awareness and spread their message. On their website, you will find a page where fans can share their mental health stories and be featured alongside each band member’s individual story. You can also find them working with organizations such as NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to help raise money through donations from events and merchandise sales.

Currently, the band is hard at work finalizing their debut album, Split, which is scheduled for release on May 1, 2021 with summer tour dates to be announced shortly after. They also have shows booked with NAMI Pierce County in May and October of 2021 and plan to take on similar projects to help spread awareness as opportunities arise.

| All donations go to NAMI Programs

We live in a racialized society, where the perception of race matters profoundly regarding relationships, opportunities and access to housing, employment and services. Therefore, members of racial groups face additional barriers when it comes to receiving care. Some of these include higher levels of stigma within a community, fewer mental health professionals in their immediate area and fewer providers with a similar background or who speak the same language. 

There is also a lack of covered mental health care for members of racialized groups who are overrepresented in professions that do not offer health insurance. Often, even when they have insurance, they face discrimination or disparate treatment when trying to access care. They may receive poorer quality care due to lack of cultural competence, language barriers, bias and inadequate resources. This can result in misdiagnosis, dropping out of treatment and delayed recovery. 

| All donations go to NAMI Programs

| All donations go to NAMI Programs

In the demanding field of health care, stressors are inevitable. From adjusting to unusual hours and extra shifts, to the trauma of losing patients — your job is not easy. The COVID-19 pandemic has created added layers of uncertainty and increased loss, along with deep concern for the well-being of yourself and your family. Now more than ever, those taking care of us on the frontlines need our support in return.

Caring for others requires that you also care for yourself. You are not alone.

| All donations go to NAMI Programs