RESOURCES
The entertainment industry is known for its high stress and pressure, stemming from factors like intense competition and unpredictable work schedules. Performers and professionals often face tight deadlines and scrutiny, which can lead to anxiety and burnout.
Mental Health: Rates of depression and anxiety were found to be 5 to 7 times higher among entertainment industry professionals.
Substance abuse and addiction: Rates of substance use and abuse are higher in the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector compared to the national average. The prevalence of heavy alcohol use, was reported to be about 12.9%, compared to the national average of 6.7%.
Suicide Rates: Studies, including those by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have pointed out that the arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations have higher rates of suicide compared to some other professions.
Seeking Help: Despite the high prevalence of mental health issues, there's a gap in seeking help. A survey by Help Musicians UK found that while over 70% of respondents reported experiencing anxiety and depression, less than 30% sought professional help. The stigma around mental health and fears about career implications are major barriers.
WATCH
Watch Adam Lambert & MusiCares' Care/Feel Panel, A Candid Discussion About Queer Mental Wellness WATCH HERE
Watch Wil-Dog Abers & Darren Waller Discuss Using Creativity To Heal in Sobriety: Musicians In Recovery Panel WATCH HERE
Tune Ups is a high impact, intimate and revealing video series on mental health with Australian music heroes, including Support Act Mental Health Advocates WATCH HERE
READ
ANXIETY: People working in the industry experience up to 10 x the rate of moderate to severe anxiety compared to the general population.
DEPRESSION: There are lots of things that can cause depression – working in the industry and all the stresses that come with it can increase the risk.
MANAGING CONFLICT: Conflict is bound to happen to some extent, but how much it impacts your life can be down to how you manage it.
LONELINESS: A life in the industry can mean long periods away from home and working unsociable hours. For many, loneliness is a gateway to poor physical and mental health.
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS: In the absence of support, resilience or healthy coping strategies, misuse of alcohol and drugs can cause you harm.
STRESS: Sometimes life gets a little too much for us to hack and its times like these we need to get brave, reach out and ask for help or support.
SOCIAL MEDIA: In an industry that relies heavily on social media to help build audiences, share content and promote events, it’s worth developing a relationship with social media that is healthy, mindful and empowered.
SEEKING HELP: Sometimes life gets a little too much for us to hack. It’s times like these we need to get brave, reach out and ask for help or support.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
UK: Samaritans - call 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258
USA: Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - call or text 988
CANADA: Crisis Services Canada - call 1.833.456.4566 or text 45645
AUSTRALIA: Lifeline - call 13 11 14
BELGIUM: Tele-Onthaal - call 106
DENMARK: Livslinien - call +45 70 201 201
FINLAND: Itsemurhien ehkäisykeskus, SOS - palvelu - call 09-731391
FRANCE: SOS Help - call 01 46 21 46 46
GERMANY: International Helpline Berlin - call 030-44 01 06 07
IRELAND: Samaritans - call 1850 60 90 90
THE NEATHERLANDS: 113 Suicide Prevention - call 0900-0113
NEW ZEALAND: 1737.org - call 1737
SPAIN: Teléfono de la Esperanza - call 902500002
SWEDEN: Nagon att tala med Samaritans - call (46) 31 711 2400