Thomas Rhett is one of the most successful Country artists of this generation, but it hasn’t been an easy path to get there. During a recent interview with Audacy’s Katie Neal, Rhett opened up about one of his biggest career struggles in solidarity with I’m Listening, Audacy’s mental health initiative aiming to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health conversations.

“One of the biggest battles I’ve ever been through [as an artist]…[is when] I put my second album out,” he reflected. “It was really when I was kind of venturing into a new space, being very progressive sonically, adding a little more Pop and R&B into my music and it was not received well by the public.”

He continued, “Looking back, it was one of the biggest records I ever made, It had ‘Die A Happy Man,’ ‘Crash and Burn,’ — all these songs on there, but I think when you’re living in that moment and you’re watching people just bash you social media wise [it’s hard.]”

TR credits lots of work in therapy and his supportive wife, Lauren, for helping him through the tough time and says he’s been able to come out stronger on the other side. “Going through that with my wife and a therapist really helped to get me back to just like, ‘This is who I am, this is the kind of music that I make, this is what brings me joy, and I’m sorry that if some people don’t like that, that’s OK, but I’m doing what fills my cup up.’”

Relating his experience to what kids and adults alike today might experience as they explore their own passions, Thomas wants to remind everyone to stay true to their own identity and stand firm when the haters come.

“I think there’s a lot of kids out there that don’t know what their identity is because they believe that whatever someone says about them is who they are,” he shared. “I think, at the end of the day, you have got to go find yourself somehow — for me, it’s being in a quiet place and getting back to what the truth about me is. That way, I’ve got a better shield when the arrows come.”

Hear more around Thomas’ experience and how prioritizing his mental heath set him up for success by listening above.

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.

Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Katie Neal