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Reflections on Mental Health

Mental Health Support

+1

Therapy isn't so scary after all

Jan 24, 2026

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12 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

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

Reflections on Mental Health

On Getting Through Bad Days

Oct 22, 2025

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8 min read

On Getting Through Bad Days

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

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Stories

+1

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

Oct 15, 2025

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12 min read

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

Stories

+2

Dreams Aren’t Meant to Keep You Awake

Oct 8, 2025

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9 min read

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 Support

+1

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

Oct 2, 2025

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9 min read

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 Health

When Was the Last Time You Felt Better?

Sep 24, 2025

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7 min read

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

Reflections on Mental Health

Forty Minutes I’ll Never Remember

Aug 26, 2025

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10 min read

Forty Minutes I’ll Never Remember

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

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Reflections on Mental Health

+1

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

Aug 5, 2025

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9 min read

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

Music Education and Support

+1

Why musicians like me find it so hard to ask for help

Jul 29, 2025

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8 min read

Why musicians like me find it so hard to ask for help

My ego will hate me for saying this...

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Stories

+2

The panic attack that nearly ended my music career

Jul 15, 2025

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7 min read

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

Music Education and Support

+1

Opening up about my mental health saved me — maybe this can help you open up too.

Jun 3, 2025

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11 min read

Opening up about my mental health saved me — maybe this can help you open up too.

If you're struggling in silence as a musician, this might help you find the words

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Reflections on Mental Health

+1

There Is More To Life Than Music

Apr 9, 2025

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9 min read

There Is More To Life Than Music

16 Lessons I Learned About Mental Health When Music Took Over My Life

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Reflections on Mental Health

+1

A Letter to the Burnt-Out Musician

Apr 2, 2025

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14 min read

A Letter to the Burnt-Out Musician

Why I Still Haven't Quit Music (And Maybe You Shouldn't Either)

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Growth Mindset

+1

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

Mar 26, 2025

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7 min read

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

Community

+3

You have to suffer to be a "Real Artist"

Mar 12, 2025

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10 min read

You have to suffer to be a "Real Artist"

Or Is That Just What You’ve Been Told?

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Reflections on Mental Health

+1

Music Is the Most Addictive and Destructive Drug on the Planet

Mar 5, 2025

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5 min read

Music Is the Most Addictive and Destructive Drug on the Planet

The same thing that makes you a musician is the thing that’s breaking you

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Reflections on Mental Health

+3

Is your love for music slipping away?

Feb 26, 2025

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6 min read

Is your love for music slipping away?

I never thought this would happen to me—but it did.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Growth Mindset

+2

To Every Musician Who Feels Like Giving Up: Read This

Jan 22, 2025

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7 min read

To Every Musician Who Feels Like Giving Up: Read This

An open letter to every musician who feels like they’re falling behind

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang

Mental Health

+2

2024 Broke Me. But It Also Gave Me This

Dec 25, 2024

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10 min read

2024 Broke Me. But It Also Gave Me This

Here's Why I'm Still Hopeful for 2025

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
The Mental Musician

The Mental Musician

I write about my journey with depression as a musician to challenge the mental health stigma and help fellow musicians build resilience in today’s music industry.


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