The Mental Health Struggles of Musicians and How to Find Help
Musicians face mental health challenges, need support to maintain well-being and creativity.

The world often perceives musicians as living a glamorous life, filled with creativity and the adoration of fans. However, beneath the surface, many artists grapple with significant mental health challenges that are often exacerbated by the pressures of their profession. The consistent pressure to be the best can become overwhelming, and those high expectations can take a toll on anyone’s mental health. Musicians tend to suffer from mental health issues at higher rates than the general population, yet their lifestyles make it difficult to provide effective support.

Many artists find ways to navigate the industry's pressures while maintaining their creative integrity and personal well-being.

Why Do Musicians Struggle with Mental Health?

Irregular Working Patterns and Financial Strain

One of the primary reasons musicians face mental health challenges is the irregularity of their work schedules. Unlike the typical 9-to-5 job, musicians often work late nights and weekends, disrupting family life, relationships, and friendships. This erratic schedule can also lead to physical and mental exhaustion, especially for those juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet.

Financial instability is another major concern. The unpredictable nature of their income can lead to significant stress and anxiety. Many musicians feel financially dependent on their families or partners, which can create feelings of guilt and inadequacy. The pressure to achieve financial stability in such an unstable industry can be overwhelming, leading to burnout and mental health issues.

Performance Anxiety and Industry Harassment

Stage fright, or performance anxiety, is a common issue among musicians. This can strike even the most seasoned performers, causing immense stress and impacting their ability to perform. In addition to performance anxiety, musicians often face discrimination, bullying, and harassment within the industry. Women, in particular, report high levels of sexism and sexual harassment, which can severely impact their mental health.

As one musician explained, "Music is embodied in your sense of self – it’s a really deep belief in something that is helping you to construct yourself as a living, breathing subject and without which you feel unable to continue. But if you’ve invested a huge amount of time and effort into practicing, writing, and performing but things aren’t happening for you, then the disappointment can be immense."

The Toll of Touring

Touring, while often seen as a dream come true, can be detrimental to a musician's mental health. The constant travel, lack of proper nutrition, limited exercise, and poor sleeping conditions can take a significant toll. The grueling schedule that might seem exciting initially can become physically and mentally draining over time.

It might seem like you’re living the dream, but it can be miserable. You can end up eating badly, having no time for exercise or self-care, and sleeping badly in poor accommodation or on a tour bus. A grueling schedule might be quite exciting when you start as a new conservatoire graduate, but 20 years down the line it will drain your physical and mental health.

Feeling Drained and Devalued

Musicians often experience a rollercoaster of emotions, from the high of performing to the monotony and isolation of daily life on the road. They struggle with feelings of being devalued, especially when their work is not financially or emotionally rewarding.

The pressure to prove their worth and the lack of adequate compensation can significantly decrease self-esteem and motivation.

Seeking Help

For those struggling with both creativity and depression, seeking help is vital. Therapy, medication, and self-care strategies can help manage depression while allowing creativity to flourish.

Finessed Media Finessed Media, based in NYC and led by women of color, supports underrepresented artists and music industry entrepreneurs. They offer resources, and education, and host quarterly mental health events featuring industry professionals.

Music Industry Therapist Collective (MITC) Started by psychotherapist Tamsin Embleton, MITC specializes in mental health, addiction, and illness for music industry folks. Their therapists have music industry backgrounds, providing a confidential and supportive space for clients to process their experiences and build resilience.

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund Sweet Relief helps musicians and music industry workers struggling financially due to illness, disability, or age-related issues. They provide financial assistance to artists of all genres in the U.S. and Canada.

Music Health Alliance Music Health Alliance connects music professionals with healthcare and financial solutions. They've helped 20,000 industry folks and saved over $100 million in healthcare costs. Their mission is to "Heal the Music."

Music Minds Matter With nearly a century of experience, Music Minds Matter offers support to anyone in the music industry dealing with mental health issues. Their counselors are available 24/7 to help with any problems, whether or not they're related to music.

MusiCares MusiCares provides critical assistance for music people in times of need, covering financial, medical, and personal emergencies. They focus on health and welfare issues affecting the music community.

Backline Backline connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources. They offer access to a network of trusted organizations and care providers who understand the industry’s unique challenges.

Silence The Shame Silence The Shame is a nonprofit focused on mental health education and awareness in the music industry. They fight the stigma around mental health issues and offer community conversations, first-aid training, volunteer opportunities, and more.

These organizations provide essential support for the mental health and well-being of music professionals, addressing the unique challenges of the industry and promoting a healthier, more sustainable environment for creativity and personal growth.

Final Thoughts

Addressing the mental health challenges faced by musicians requires a multifaceted approach. Providing support systems, creating awareness about mental health, and fostering a healthier work environment are essential steps. Musicians should also be encouraged to seek help and prioritize self-care to navigate the pressures of their careers.

As we celebrate the creativity and passion of musicians, it's crucial to acknowledge the pressures they face and support them in their mental health journey.

By acknowledging these pressures and striving for balance, artists can find ways to thrive in an industry that demands so much. The path to success is not just about achieving fame but also about preserving the passion and joy that inspired them to make music in the first place.