Musicians and Mental Health Resources

Mental health isn’t just a topic of discussion at forums, it is an integral part of the overall well-being of humans. Musicians are no different, and mental health remains an important goal amidst the intensive demands of the music industry. From learning the mental health issues musicians face to understanding music therapy, this comprehensive guide will help you be more aware and informed.

In this article, we have tried to answer a few questions:

1. What is the most common mental illness in musicians?
   
   
2. What is a mental health resource?
   
   
3. What are the best mental health resources?
   
   
4. Is music therapy real?

What is the most common mental illness in musicians?

Among the many different mental illnesses in musicians, such as phobia and ADHD, the most common mental illnesses that musicians are diagnosed with from registered reports are Major Depressive Disorder, most commonly known as Clinical Depression, and Anxiety Disorders, in comparison with those populations that aren’t musically active. A recent study concluded that while examining the reciprocal relationship between music and mental health, those who were actively involved in the music industry had a genetic predisposition or risk factor for developing bipolar and other mood disorders. 

According to another study conducted by MusicThinkTank and the University of Westminster, around 68.5% of the population of musicians included in the study reported experiencing depressive episodes, and 71.1% asserted subjective experience of panic attacks, which is characteristic of Panic Disorder and may be comorbid with other Anxiety Spectrum and Mood Disorders. 

Why are most musicians depressed or anxious?

The causes for these mental health issues could not just be genetic diathesis, but these dispositions could be triggered by environmental factors, mostly those that are chronic. The unpredictable nature of the job of a musician, financial problems, and other stressors of the music industry could be one of the many causal links to mental health issues among music artists. 

Let’s not forget the physical stressors faced by musicians, including frequent burnouts due to touring and being on the road, as well as the extended number of working hours. Although the flexibility of their schedules may seem to be an advantage, it also means that there is a very good possibility that musicians aren’t really off working hours or that they probably are working all the time. 

Pssst…come here: Music artists, especially those that are upcoming and independent, mostly face rather cruel allegations of not having done any ‘real’ work, that usually stems from a regressive belief model. Making music is still considered a cool hobby among many Western countries in the 21st century and although it is rather a sad state, it is a fact. 

Providing acknowledgment, if not acceptance, goes a long way in ensuring that this discrimination doesn’t affect musicians the way it does today. This support coupled with a few accessible mental health resources could help musicians build their self-management techniques for their mental health issues. This is so much better than letting the symptoms build to a more severe stage where they begin to significantly affect the occupational, social, and intellectual functioning of the individual. 

What is a mental health resource?

A mental health resource is any kind of assistance, device, or support structure that helps people control and strengthen their mental health. Such assets can cover a wide variety of topics and are accessible through a variety of methods, such as in-person, through the Internet, and by call. 

To a layman, this may directly translate to professional help that’s provided by clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors. As mentioned before, a mental health resource doesn’t have to be limited to therapy because by definition these resources should be accessible to most people and affordable. Therapy may not fall under these criteria (not as yet). Mental health resources could be any apps that you could use to help alleviate your anxiety symptoms, books, and research material, as well as active support groups both online and offline that you could become a member of. 

What are the best mental health resources?

There are many resources that you can find online, but here, we have compiled a list of the best mental health resources specially curated for musicians. 

Backline:

Backline is an NGO that has an extensive online portal for music industry employees as well as their families seeking psychological wellness and mental health assistance. They provide assistance with case management, group therapy, and a directory of psychological specialists. This non-profit organization was founded in response to the growing concern about mental illness reported by working professionals in the music industry, in an attempt to help spread awareness as well as provide aid. 

MusicCares:

The Recording Academy, the foundation behind the Grammy Awares established MusicCares, a non-profit organization, that offers a variety of mental health services, including access to counseling and therapy with subsidized costs. The organization aims to make professional help accessible to musicians coming from all socio-economic backgrounds. Furthermore, MusiCares offers emergency financial support to musicians who face unexpected problems such as medical conditions, injuries, or unforeseen events. This assistance helps with everyday expenditures like utility costs, rent, and supplies. 

Hope For The Day:

You must have heard of the phrase, ‘It’s OK not to be OK.’ Well, this is pretty much the principle of Hope For The Day. Jonny Boucher founded the group in 2011 with the goal of reducing the stigma associated with psychological disorders while also providing tools and help to people in need. HFTD works on the concept that it is acceptable to be unhappy, and it promotes open discussions regarding psychological wellness. 

Understanding the specific problems encountered by musicians and entertainment industry workers, HFTD works with musicians, record companies, and events to raise mental health awareness while offering assistance to the music industry. This includes collaborations with musicians, performances, and music-related events.

Hear and Now:

Hear and Now Wellbeing is a mental health service dedicated to the special requirements of artists, touring individuals, and those working in the music business. Along with individual treatment, Hear and Now provides courses and group therapy sessions that address prevalent challenges in the music industry. These seminars offer an encouraging atmosphere in which people can discuss their personal experiences and develop coping methods.

Tour Support:

Tour Support is an association that focuses on giving psychological wellness and health assistance to touring musicians. Understanding the specific demands and challenges of life on the road, Tour Support provides a variety of amenities geared to improve mental health and give support to people employed by the live music industry. The organization also offers an online resource hub with articles, guidance, and resources to assist individuals with their emotional well-being. This covers practical ideas to preserve mental health when traveling, as well as coping skills and methods for self-care.

Is music therapy real?

Yes! Music has been linked with better mental health conditions and psychological wellness. Music therapy is a type of therapeutic approach that makes use of music to help alleviate distress and maintain mental health. Music therapy can be a participatory procedure in which clients take part in the creation of music, or it can be passive, in which clients listen or react to music. A few therapists may employ a mixed strategy that includes both active and passive engagement with music. 

Pssst…come here: There’s a very scientific reason as to why you cry better when you listen to sad songs and why it feels better after listening to uplifting music. The music tonalities, lyricism as well as the combination of different sounds elicit certain chemical reactions in the human brain that contribute to our individual experiences of different emotions while listening to a particular track. 

Music therapy has been noted to be most effective for clients with depression, anxiety, autism, Alzheimer's, emotional dysregulation, and so on. Engaging with music could help with enhancing memory, decision-making, emotional regulation as well as sensory relay. It could also provide physiological benefits such as lower heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and so on. 

The irony is that musicians would likely not want to try music therapy simply because music consumes most of their lives. While music may seem to be the obvious solution when you are having a bad day, it may very well be the cause of the bad day for musicians and other individuals working in the music-making industry. The family and friends of the musicians must remain supportive and understanding towards these professionals and help them in whatever way best possible. 

We at GreaseRelease, have a bunch of curators on our network who are looking for new & exciting music to push on their massive playlists. If you make music and want to reach a wider audience, check out our submission platform and get a chance to reach millions of listeners! Submit your tracks now! 

 

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