Anxiety & Depression Why Even Happy People Get Depressed With Multi-Platinum Singer/Songwriter Andy Grammer By Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Published on November 14, 2022 Print Verywell / Julie Bang Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Meet Andy Grammer Why Andy Grammer Is Mentally Strong What You’ll Hear on the Show What You’ll Learn About Mental Health and Mental Strength Quotes From Andy More About the Podcast Every Monday on The Verywell Mind Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Amy Morin, LCSW, interviews authors, experts, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, and other inspirational people about the strategies that help them think, feel, and do their best in life. Meet Andy Grammer Andy Grammer is a singer, songwriter, and record producer. He’s best known for his song, “Honey, I’m Good,” which peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. His music is uplifting, but he felt depressed during the pandemic. Now, he’s talking about how he went to therapy, what he learned, and why anyone can develop depression. Why Andy Grammer Is Mentally Strong Andy could have kept his battle with depression private. After all, talking about his struggles with mental health may have affected his career since he talks so much about joy and happiness. But he chose to make his battle public because he wanted to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues. He began seeing a therapist and shared how it helped, what he learned, and why even happy people can develop depression. What You’ll Hear on the Show How Andy recognized he was depressed What it’s like to talk about depression when his music is known for being happy How Andy is addressing the stigma associated with getting help Why Andy’s achievement was high, and his well-being was so low Why Andy began seeing a therapist What he learned about himself in therapy What it was like to reveal to people that he didn’t have it altogether What it means to “live in your truth” How to find the courage to get help How Andy is practicing self-acceptance What it means to have ‘black or white' thinking and how Andy deals with it The link between loneliness and mental health issues How to enjoy healthy solitude How to really connect with people Why Andy wrote a song for his godmother and how it has led to other people sharing their feelings with someone who has supported them Loneliness and Mental Health Distress Have a Cyclical Relationship What You’ll Learn About Mental Health and Mental Strength Sometimes people assume that depression only happens to people who have difficult circumstances. There’s a belief that if you have a good life and you feel depressed, you must be ungrateful for what you have. But that’s not true. There are a lot of factors that affect mental health and depression. The current environment is one of those factors. But biology and past life experiences also play a role. You might be in a happy relationship, working at a job you like, and living an overall good life and still develop a mental health issue, like depression or anxiety. Developing a mental health issue doesn’t mean you’re weak or have done anything wrong. Quotes From Andy Andy Grammer What music can do sometimes is create a space or an opening in us to feel something deeper. — Andy Grammer "I think a lot of people see me as a happy guy making joyful [and] uplifting music. So hopefully, there's something about 'if the happy guy was depressed, maybe that gives you permission to be depressed.'" "I usually would show up to the therapy session and go like, ‘I don't have anything to talk about.’ And then an hour goes by, and you're like, ‘Oh, I talked the whole time.’" "Welcome to the game of being a human. This thing that you don't want to do or that you're afraid to do is a part of being a human. Jump in. Let's go. I promise you're gonna be fine." "If you're in a space where you're depressed, or you're unhappy or upset, there are probably things you can be doing differently that will work better for you." What to Expect During Your First Therapy Session More About the Podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is available across all streaming platforms. If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Reviews and ratings are a great way to encourage other people to listen and help them prioritize their mental health too. Editor’s Note: Please be mindful that this transcript does not go through our standard editorial process and may contain inaccuracies and grammatical errors. Thank you. For media or public speaking inquiries, contact Amy here. Download the Transcript Links and Resources Follow Andy on Instagram : @AndyGrammer Check out Andy’s website: AndyGrammer.com If You Liked This Episode, You Might Also Like These Episodes How to Fight Depression With NFL Reporter Jay Glazer How to Know if You Have Existential Depression With Melissa Bernstein What to Say to Someone Who Is Going Through a Hard Time With Dr. Kelsey Crowe Why Am I Depressed for No Reason? By Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. She's also a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Speak to a Therapist Online Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Verywell Mind receives compensation.