What past life experiences, physical traumas or genetics do you believe have had an effect on your mental health?

With me, it’s a little different as I’m going thru so many changes very late in my career as I type this that I’ve never had to deal with.  I’ve never had to think about what my “purpose” is until now because I always found that purpose through music. What comes after that for me? It’s affecting everything both on a professional, and big-time personal level!

How did the effects on your mental health appear in terms of symptoms?

As I’m presently going thru it, it’s a sense of depression, anger, BIG TIME GUILT. The ultimate feeling is one of being in limbo. I always had all the answers, all the ways out of any situation.  As I go thru these uncharted waters I find myself walking in circles, with no way out…I feel like I’ve lost my value and I’m only as good as my last trick 😞

When and why did you decide to ask for help to get relief?

I talk to friends from time to time, and that outlet definitely helps.  But, I’ve mostly tried to navigate thru it on my own because I’ve always been able to manage any situation and turn it around.  Right now I’m realizing that just relying on yourself and your work isn’t really healthy. Maybe that’s why I decided to open up. I needed another outlet. Thank you all for giving me that.

What methods helped you individually get/feel better?

My music is everything so I try to use that and disappear into my recording studio.  But as I said above, that can only go so far.  You can’t hide from those other things that bother you.  You can only suppress them for so long. Telling my story is very therapeutic and I hope to help many people also get help beyond just focusing on the work we’re passionate about. That alone is not therapy…in fact, it moves us away, I’m learning, from addressing things.

Why did you decide to go public with your story? Who were/are you hoping to help and how?

You know I guess because everyone looks at the next person and thinks their life is perfect based on what we see on social media these days, and truth b told EVERY SINGLE PERSON AND/OR FAMILY HAS SOMETHING that may be affecting them, and maybe I can help someone else open up. 

How did people react when you went public with your story?

Actually, you guys are the first to get the breaking news!! Yes, #SameHere I’m a lil “crazy” too!

Links and/or descriptions to any of your own personal resources you would like to share with the Global Mental Health Community:

I’m loving being part of this “Crazy” Movement!  This is my first step into mental health advocacy, so no recommended links yet, but they’ll come. I was there playing at the “Crazy” launch event…and I look forward to getting more involved – telling others in my industry about The Movement and #SameHere, and just helping everyone I can through my music and my words.