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

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 might help you live with depression — and make room for your 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

Archive

Growth MindsetGrowth Mindset
+2+2
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
+1+1
Four small things that helped me survive depression in 2025

Four small things that helped me survive depression in 2025

How these small changes might help you live with depression — and make room for your 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
+1+1
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
Advice and SupportAdvice and Support
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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

I’ve been working on something different and I want you to read this first

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
StoriesStories
Sometimes you just need a cry. And Eva Cassidy makes me cry... time after time

Sometimes you just need a cry. And Eva Cassidy makes me cry... time after time

When a voice feels like a hug you didn’t know you needed

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
Reflections on Mental HealthReflections on Mental Health
Forty Minutes I’ll Never Remember

Forty Minutes I’ll Never Remember

On losing control, strange relief, and a second chance I didn’t ask for

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
Advice and SupportAdvice and Support
+1+1
The Stigma That’s Killing Musicians

The Stigma That’s Killing Musicians

If you think mental health in music isn’t real... well, f*** you. But I’ll keep fighting for the musicians who need it

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
Reflections on Mental HealthReflections on Mental Health
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I finally gave up on my dream. But it's helped me start living again.

I finally gave up on my dream. But it's helped me start living again.

Some reflections on depression, losing hope, and starting over

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
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