Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Johnson.
Hi Brandon, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a singer, actor, mental health advocate and mostly important a servant of God from Houston, TX. I started singing since I was in diapers alongside my brothers, Camron and Carlon, humming hymns around our childhood home. We were and still are The Johnson Brothers. We started singing in the choir at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and eventually started having engagements at other local churches, events, functions, etc.. Whether I was with them or alone, I loved to minister in song.
I eventually started acting at The Ensemble Theater. I was apart of their Young Performers Program during the summer and I starred as Mutobe (a king), the lead role in a musical called “Sala Cinderella”. I also starred in “Black Nativity”, a Christmas play.
As a young adult, I struggled with my mental health. In 2016, I was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, clinical depression and severe anxiety. I was admitted into Houston Psychiatric Center twice. It was a hard time for me, but with prayer and medicine, I’m doing okay now (still medicated) and I tell my testimony/story to let others know that it’s okay not to be okay and that help is available.
I love encouraging others!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been easy. Living with paranoia schizophrenia, clinical depression and severe anxiety, I was always fearful. I oftentimes isolated myself from others, including close family. My paranoia would get so bad that I would turn everything off in the house, not have good hygiene, not eat and curl up in the corner because I felt people and things were out to harm me. I’d hear voices and see things like large spiders crawl up the wall due to my psychosis. My mom would hide kitchen knives. She and my brother would rotate nights to make sure I wouldn’t walk outside carelessly. I was admitted to Houston Psychiatric Center twice. To this day, I see a psychiatrist and take my meds now. To God be the glory. All is well and I am testimony of God’s grace.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a recording artist. I sing mostly gospel/inspirational music. I love how I approach music differently from others. I love trying unique sounds. I get my inspiration from jazz, country, blues, hip hop, soul, R&B, you name it. I don’t put myself in a box when everyone else likes to. I love being authentic. I’m mostly proud of my connection to people through my gift.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My peace of mind matters to me. Without peace, I cannot function. I won’t be satisfied without it. I’m learning to enjoy the simple and little things in life. My family, my music, my health – that’s what matters to me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mrbrandonljohnson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19QnYhQ2wF/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brandonljohnsonofficial
