Thomas Rhett has made a successful career for himself in the Country music with 20 of his own #1 hits and countless others as a songwriter. However, for the 32-year-old father of four, music is a lot more than just how he provides for his family.
LISTEN NOW: Thomas Rhett talks the importance of mental health and shares some of his best practices
Rhett recently sat down with Audacy in support of our I’m Listening initiative, to share how creating and listening to music betters his mental health.
“Music, for me, has been such a life source,” he shared. “I feel in so many ways, what I can’t say, I’ve been able to sing, or what I can’t say [I’ve] been able to write. A lot of time that’s where I come from.”
While songwriting is a source of reflection and therapy for Rhett, he admits listening to songs written by others often strike him in different ways. Prompting him to discover thoughts and feelings that aren’t necessarily as obvious or prominent to him in his every day life.
“I think that music has hit me in a way of like, ‘Man, I don’t know this person, but there’s something in that song that really hit where I’m at in life today,’” he shared. “And if it weren’t for that song, maybe it wouldn’t have even come up in my brain and maybe I wouldn’t have sought help afterwards. I think music is a great, great, great healing piece in this life.”
Music isn’t the only tool Rhett uses when it comes to his mental health. He also shared a few other best practices like being part of a weekly men’s group that take on life’s biggest peaks and valleys together.
“Discussing my problems with other people has been a life-saver for me, personally,” he said candidly. “I meet with a group of guys every Monday night just to kind of talk all things life — we’ve been doing that for three years now. I feel like when you’re in the battle, in the trenches with other people, with community it makes for great friendship and good ways to sort through your stuff.”
Audacy's I’m Listening initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Additionally, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988. Find a full list of additional resources here.
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