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.

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.

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.

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

What You’ll Learn About Mental Health and Mental Strength

Sometimes people assume that depression only happens to people who have difficult circumstances.

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.

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. 

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.

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

  • “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.”

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.

Andy Grammer

What music can do sometimes is create a space or an opening in us to feel something deeper. 

Reviews and ratings are a great way to encourage other people to listen and help them prioritize their mental health too.

If You Liked This Episode, You Might Also Like These Episodes

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

  • 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