Mental Health Support: resources for musicians

Working in the creative industries (like music) comes with a 3-times greater risk of suffering from mental health illnesses or issues. That’s a huge figure – and one that we’ve seen in practice on more than a few occasions.

As an independent artist, you’re not alone. You might be making music alone, but there are communities, resources and friendly distributors (like us) who are in your corner, ready to help and support you if you’re struggling.

In this guide, we’ve gathered some powerful resources for anyone struggling with their mental health – but please remember that the most important thing is to ask for help from wherever you can.

Don’t suffer alone!

Why do music artists suffer from poor mental health?

Being a creative person is a benefit in so many areas. You’re imaginative, innovative, unconventional and expressive – giving you the edge in any role that requires some out-of-the-box thinking.

But it also comes with a tendency to feel your emotions more strongly than non-creative people – your inspiration comes from deep feelings, connection with others, and a drive to express yourself.

More tangibly, being an independent musician can be tough in itself. You might not be earning enough money from music to do it full-time, so you’re either struggling with inconsistent income or struggling to balance a salaried job and creating music. You also face pressure to create really good music, you compare yourself to others, and you might not be able to handle criticism very well – because you invest so much of yourself into your music that even a mild criticism can feel like a dagger to the heart.

If you’re relating to any of those things, it might come as no surprise that the creative industries suffer from poor mental health more than non-creative industries do. A Northern Irish study conducted by charity Inspire and Ulster University found:

• 36% of respondents had been diagnosed with anxiety
• 32% of respondents had been diagnosed with depression
• 60% of respondents reported having had suicidal thoughts, 37% had made a plan for suicide, and 16% had made a suicide attempt in their lifetime
• 63% of respondents felt able to admit they had a mental health, alcohol or drug problem.

The attributes that make you a talented musician also make you far more likely to suffer from mental health struggles – which is why we believe it’s so important to keep talking, keep educating, and keep sharing mental health resources whenever we can.

Where to find help & support for your mental health as a musician

Music Minds Matter

This UK-based registered charity is specifically focused on supporting anyone working in the music industry. Whether you’re an artist, producer, roadie, manager, or work in distribution like we do, Music Minds Matter is available to you in your time of need.

In their own words, “Working in music is incredible. Our unforgettable musical experiences are delivered by passionate and talented individuals. But a life in music comes with unique pressures that can affect mental health. We aim to transform mental health in music to create a healthier music sector and support all the people who keep the music we love playing.”

Access confidential support 24/7 by calling 0808 802 8008

Music Support UK

Music Support helps individuals working in the UK music industry who are suffering from substance abuse, addiction, and/or mental health challenges.

By providing a confidential helpline, support for family and friends, Mental Health First Aid training, and community outreach, Music Support aims to learn from the personal experiences of its founders (who are all music industry veterans and themselves suffer from mental health or addiction issues) to make a difference in the industry.

Access confidential support (Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm) by calling 0800 030 6789

Tonic Music

Tonic Music is a registered charity working across the UK with people who professionally engage in music (via Tonic Rider), people who recreationally engage in music (i.e. music fans, via Never Mind The Stigma) and organisations engaging young adults in music (via Tonic Futures).

They provide therapy, peer groups, preventative workshops, training courses and a range of digital resources to raise awareness of and support the treatment of mental health issues across the music industry and beyond.

Find out more about Tonic Music and their support here.

British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM)

BAPAM is a service that connects performers with specialist medical support, including for mental health issues.

In their own words, BAPAM “is the largest provider of clinical services to the UK’s entire performing arts sector, supporting industry professionals and students, from musicians and singers to dancers, actors, and circus performers as well as those who work behind the scenes. We ensure they receive the best possible information and training to prevent poor health as well as specialist care when things go wrong, to support healthy careers and aid recovery from illness or injury.”

To get support from BAPAM, visit their website here or call them on 020 7404 8444

Soundcheck

Soundcheck is a registered charity supporting the needs of people working in the music industry. Approaching the challenges of mental health, addiction, financial uncertainty and loneliness from a Christian perspective, Soundcheck offers a holistic approach to wellbeing and focuses on chaplaincy through listening, signposting and providing spiritual guidance to musicians and other music industry professionals.

To get support from Soundcheck, visit their website here.

Mental health support for all

Samaritans

Open 24/7 throughout the year, the Samaritans are open to listen to anyone experiencing upset or struggling with difficult thoughts.

Access non-judgmental, confidential support 24/7 by calling 116 123 (freephone) or the Welsh language line on 0300 123 3011 (7pm-11pm Mon-Sun)

Switchboard LGBT

A helpline specifically for the LGBTQ+ community, Switchboard LGBT offers support for all mental health problems. Phonelines are open from 10am to 10pm every day of the year and all operators are LGBTQ+ with training in supporting others.

Access LGBTQ+ support by calling 0300 330 0630

Black Minds Matter UK

In their own words, “We want to make mental health topics more relevant and accessible for all Black people in the U.K., removing the stigma and remodelling the services to be relevant for the Black community.”

To access support, visit their website here.

Remember: you are not alone!

If you’re a musician or someone working in the music industry and you struggle with your mental health, it’s important that you talk to someone you trust and who you feel comfortable with. Whether that’s a professional, someone from the charities mentioned above, or someone you know personally, the important thing is that you ask for help.

Trust us: you’re not the only person struggling, you won’t be judged for asking for help, and it will get better.

‍