Mike Raine, Journalist, for Canadian Musician Magazine and Podcast co-host chats with me about his recent article and research on what musicians are facing with regards to mental health and how we can try to combat it!
It’s no surprise that musicians are among some of the hardest hit by mental health issues. In Mike Raine’s recent article “Music is facing a Mental Health Crisis.” He reports on statistics released by studies that show the high % of musicians to be affected by challenges surrounding their mental health. Higher than many other industries and the general public. And even more startling, the low % of musicians who have sought help with their struggles, also lower than the general public.
Maybe that’s because we feel that it’s somewhat “normal” to be a struggling artist. Or that we can’t seek help because we have no access to benefits and money is tight. I can’t be sure exactly why these numbers are so low.
What I am sure of after spending 20 years in the business, is that Mike is absolutely right. The music industry presents a sometimes perfect recipe for mental health issues to show up.
With a lack of sleep, personal and financial pressures, image concerns, constant access to alcohol and drugs and many other ingredients of this difficult recipe to navigate it’s any wonder that we’re having a hard time making it through in a healthy way. Some industry professionals, however are starting to put resources into place for their artists to get help which is extremely encouraging.
I see part of my job in the music industry space to add positive ingredients to a recipe that definitely requires some balancing out.
So what can you do if you are feeling like your mental wellness is at risk? First know that you are not alone, this is a tough industry physically and emotionally, many of us have been through some very difficult times. It doesn’t have to be just accepted as just part of the ride, you can speak up, you can get help, get stronger, get sober, and do it knowing that there is nothing wrong with you, you are human like the rest of us. If we aren’t in this together, then why are we in this at all?
Second, definitely reach out for help. There are resources out there like the Unison Benevolent Fund in Canada and Help Musicians UK (HMUK) who are currently doing this.
Unison Benevolent Fund (Canada) – http://unisonfund.ca
Help Musicians UK – https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/
Also take a read of Mike’s article, a great step towards changing something is first understanding it.
Music Is Facing a Mental Health Crisis
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