The dissonance creative souls can feel from not being a working artist can be intense. The feeling of being in the wrong profession can be upsetting, and result in regret, anxiety and depression.

Hey Creative Execs — yeah, I’m talkin’ to you. You were a drama geek in college (but now you’re an agent). You were the lead singer in your garage band (but now you’re an A&R guy). You dreamt of being a screenwriter (but now you’re a manager). You pitched show ideas to friends (but now you’re in PR). You listened to the best indie bands long before anyone else (but now you’re a music publicist).

When screenwriters (writers of all stripes, actually — authors, playwrights, etc.) are queried for what they believe to be the most challenging aspect of their chosen profession, the overwhelming majority of writers say the loneliness and isolation that comes with the storied writer’s life is the single most difficult thing with which to contend.

Acting — yikes. I mean, how much ageism, racism, rejection, objectification, pressure, loneliness, sexual and gender-based harassment and poverty can a person realistically take? Yet people flock to the entertainment industry despite the well-publicized lives of the 98% — all with the hopes of being the lucky 2%.

Being a recording artist can be one of the most mentally-trying life paths one can take. It can also be one of the most rewarding. Finding balance, on myriad levels, is key — key to being successful commercially, but also key to maintaining a healthy mental and emotional sense of self.

If you’re a songwriter or composer, it’s likely that your relationship with mental health is complex and multifaceted. Anxiety, depression, creative blocks, imposter syndrome, relationship issues and trauma responses can all rear their ugly head when you least expect it.

My name is David Andreone. I am a successful entertainment executive, and I struggle with my mental health.