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Family

+1

A story to remind you you’re not alone

May 7, 2026

•

9 min read

A story to remind you you’re not alone

Even when it feels like music is all you have

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Stories

+2

The Last Time I Played Guitar for My Grandma

Apr 16, 2026

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8 min read

The Last Time I Played Guitar for My Grandma

For my Po Po and Nai Nai — on grief, guilt, and learning how to say goodbye

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Stories

+2

I’m okay with being a failed musician.

Apr 2, 2026

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17 min read

I’m okay with being a failed musician.

But it took me years to accept that.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Reflections on Mental Health

+2

Being a Musician Hurt Me More Than I’d Care to Admit

Mar 18, 2026

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16 min read

Being a Musician Hurt Me More Than I’d Care to Admit

So this is me finally being honest with you and with myself

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Stories

+2

For 15 minutes, I Was A Rockstar At Philadelphia Airport

Mar 5, 2026

•

12 min read

For 15 minutes, I Was A Rockstar At Philadelphia Airport

Somewhere between a cancelled flight and a crowd of strangers, I found a reason to keep going

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Family

+1

How I Became a Master at Hiding My Pain

Feb 18, 2026

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14 min read

How I Became a Master at Hiding My Pain

But as I say goodbye to my Grandma, I realise I'm not as alone as I thought.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Mental Health Support

+1

Therapy isn't so scary after all

Jan 24, 2026

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7 min read

Therapy isn't so scary after all

How changing my approach to therapy saved my mental health...and life

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Community

+1

The podcast I wanted to create from the beginning

Jan 15, 2026

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7 min read

The podcast I wanted to create from the beginning

And one that helps you not feel alone in your mental health struggles.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Stories

+1

A Love Letter To My Depression

Jan 7, 2026

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11 min read

A Love Letter To My Depression

The friend who I never asked for, but don't want to leave completely...

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Reflections on Mental Health

What happens when a musician finally lets themselves be vulnerable

Dec 18, 2025

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15 min read

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

Reflections on Mental Health

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

Dec 11, 2025

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12 min read

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

Stories

+2

Why You Don’t Need to Be Perfect

Nov 28, 2025

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11 min read

Why You Don’t Need to Be Perfect

And honestly? Being perfect is overrated.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
...
The Mental Musician

The Mental Musician

A weekly newsletter where I share stories about my life in music and my struggles with mental health, so other musicians don’t feel alone and feel more comfortable opening up about what we’re really going through.

Join 450+ musicians who are learning to open up, share honestly, and support each other along the way.

Join 450+ musicians who are learning to open up about their mental health and support each other along the way.


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