Brian Wilson's mental illness began to manifest itself before the release of "Pet Sounds" by The Beach Boys. Brian Wilson, the primary songwriter and creative force behind The Beach Boys, started experiencing mental health issues as early as 1964, which was before "Pet Sounds" was released in 1966.
During The Beach Boys' heyday, Brian Wilson struggled with increasing anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems, leading to him withdrawing from touring with the band in 1964 to focus on studio work and composing music. This decision was influenced by the stress of touring, as well as conflicts with his father and bandmates.
"Pet Sounds" was released during a particularly turbulent period in Brian Wilson's life, and it was a reflection of his emotional struggles and artistic growth. The album received critical acclaim but didn't achieve commercial success comparable to the group's earlier work, which added to Brian's anxieties and self-doubt.
Following "Pet Sounds," Brian Wilson began work on what was intended to be a revolutionary follow-up album called "Smile." However, the pressures of the music industry, personal challenges, and his mental health struggles resulted in the abandonment of the "Smile" project in 1967, and it was eventually released in a completed form much later in 2004.
Brian Wilson's mental health issues persisted throughout the years, and he faced significant challenges in his life, but he continued to create music and eventually received recognition for his contributions to the music industry. It's important to note that mental illness is a complex and ongoing issue, and in Brian Wilson's case, it was not solely triggered by the release of "Pet Sounds" but was a part of his life well before that period.