The Mental Musician

The Mental Musician

I write about my experiences with depression and life in music so you never have to feel alone in your struggles.

Join 450+ musicians who are opening up about their mental health and and help build a world where we no longer hide our pain.

Reach out any time

Featured Posts

StoriesStories
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How I Learnt To Be Okay With Not Being Okay

How I Learnt To Be Okay With Not Being Okay

Lessons I Learned After My First Panic Attack

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
StoriesStories
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The panic attack that nearly ended my music career

The panic attack that nearly ended my music career

If burnout, pressure, or anxiety have stolen your joy for music, this one is for you.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
Growth MindsetGrowth Mindset
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Sometimes You Have to Stop the Music to Take Care of Your Health

Sometimes You Have to Stop the Music to Take Care of Your Health

I’ve learned that sometimes, walking away from your dream is the only way to survive

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
StoriesStories
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Returning into the Light: How depression stole my love for life

Returning into the Light: How depression stole my love for life

How I found my reason to stay alive

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Latest Posts

Reflections on Mental HealthReflections on Mental Health
What happens when a musician finally lets themselves be vulnerable

What happens when a musician finally lets themselves be vulnerable

And how it helped me open up about things I wouldn't normally talk about

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
CommunityCommunity
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This year forced me to slow down and focus on what was really important

This year forced me to slow down and focus on what was really important

And why I want to encourage everyone, not just musicians, to be vulnerable about their health, next year and beyond, without feeling ashamed.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
StoriesStories
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Why You Don’t Need to Be Perfect

Why You Don’t Need to Be Perfect

And honestly? Being perfect is overrated.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Archive

Reflections on Mental HealthReflections on Mental Health
What happens when a musician finally lets themselves be vulnerable

What happens when a musician finally lets themselves be vulnerable

And how it helped me open up about things I wouldn't normally talk about

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
CommunityCommunity
+1+1
This year forced me to slow down and focus on what was really important

This year forced me to slow down and focus on what was really important

And why I want to encourage everyone, not just musicians, to be vulnerable about their health, next year and beyond, without feeling ashamed.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
StoriesStories
+2+2
Why You Don’t Need to Be Perfect

Why You Don’t Need to Be Perfect

And honestly? Being perfect is overrated.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
Music Education and SupportMusic Education and Support
For music to have a future, young musicians need to learn mental health skills now

For music to have a future, young musicians need to learn mental health skills now

It's been the biggest thing missing in education, but the one that gives them a chance to succeed.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
Growth MindsetGrowth Mindset
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Can you really "be yourself?"

Can you really "be yourself?"

How a moment of madness stopped me from trying to copy others and find out who I really am.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
Growth MindsetGrowth Mindset
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Four small things that helped me survive depression in 2025

Four small things that helped me survive depression in 2025

How these small changes helped me embrace my depression and fall in love with music again.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
Reflections on Mental HealthReflections on Mental Health
On Getting Through Bad Days

On Getting Through Bad Days

How I learned that rest can save your music...and your life

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
StoriesStories
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16 months after my first suicidal thought, this message reminded me I still had a reason to live.

16 months after my first suicidal thought, this message reminded me I still had a reason to live.

And it helped me fall in love with music and life again.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
StoriesStories
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Dreams Aren’t Meant to Keep You Awake

Dreams Aren’t Meant to Keep You Awake

If your dreams keep you up at night, it’s not a sign to give up. It’s a sign you deserve support. I'm here to give it to you.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
Music Education and SupportMusic Education and Support
+1+1
Starting Again, Even When You’re Tired of Starting Again

Starting Again, Even When You’re Tired of Starting Again

But maybe it gets easier each time. I’ll tell you why.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
Reflections on Mental HealthReflections on Mental Health
When Was the Last Time You Felt Better?

When Was the Last Time You Felt Better?

Because I don't feel like I'm getting better. But it's better than I think.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
StoriesStories
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A Quiet Street, A Guitar, and Me

A Quiet Street, A Guitar, and Me

But even the darkness and silence couldn’t hide what I was searching for.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
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