EVEN though it’s been 10 years since Ashley Tisdale last released an album, she’s been busy doing pretty much everything else. After spending three years starring in three “High School Musical” movies (plus one underrated spinoff!) as Sharpay Evans, a queen bee with a voracious appetite for fame, Tisdale went on to appear in a bunch of TV and film roles, including “Hellcats” and “Scary Movie 5.” On top of that, she acquired and rebranded Illuminate Cosmetics as the go-to destination for clean, modern makeup must-haves. So it’s understandable that she might take a step away from music for awhile.

Fortunately, the 33-year-old is once again channeling her creative energy back into recording with “Symptoms” (out May 3), her most thoughtful, mature release yet. The emotionally-charged, nine-track record follows the ups and downs of Tisdale’s personal battle with anxiety and depression, which she says she hopes will cut through the dark, often-stigmatized nature of mental illness to help others feel less isolated. From the haunting orchestral melodies of “Insomnia,” to the triumphant finale, “Feeling So Good,” “Symptoms” is a candid and vulnerable account of what it feels like to go through it — and a passionate reminder that you’re never alone.

Tisdale spoke to MarieClaire.com about her new album, the crucial role of music in her own healing process, and how she stays on top of her busy schedule.

(SD-Agencies)