Andy Timmons opens up on mental health: “The guitar and music have always been catharsis for me. I can't imagine life without them”

Andy Timmons
(Image credit: Teresa Jolie)

This article is part of GuitarWorld.com's series of interviews and features with artists addressing and raising awareness around themes of mental health, particularly as they relate to musicians.

“A couple of girls came up to me in fifth grade, maybe I seemed down or I was reacting to something, and one of them said, ‘Why do you take things so seriously?’ I remember that moment, because I was shy and withdrawn, and I would have quiet periods when I was down, for whatever reason. I wouldn't have recognized it as depression at that age. It was sadness, and I dealt with it and never spoke to anybody about it. It was just, ‘This is me and my life.’ But it was apparent to me at that point that other people were recognizing that I was sensitive. 

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Alison Richter is a seasoned journalist who interviews musicians, producers, engineers, and other industry professionals, and covers mental health issues for GuitarWorld.com. Writing credits include a wide range of publications, including GuitarWorld.com, MusicRadar.com, Bass Player, TNAG Connoisseur, Reverb, Music Industry News, Acoustic, Drummer, Guitar.com, Gearphoria, She Shreds, Guitar Girl, and Collectible Guitar.