8 Music Mental Health Resources to check out in 2024
The music industry is not all butterflies and rainbows, it’s tough out here. Keep reading to check out some mental health support that is specific to your career and lifestyle as a musician.
by Randi Zimmerman of Symphonic Blog
Over 70% of independent musicians struggle with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Let’s face it, being a musician is challenging. Hell, being human is challenging! The consistent pressure to be the best can become overwhelming, and those high expectations can take a toll on anyone’s mental health. We place the utmost importance on providing consistent support in our community for those in need. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, these resources are here to help…
Music Industry Therapist Collective
Founded by psychotherapist and former venue and festival programmer Tamsin Embleton, MITC has extensive experience of working with mental health, mental illness and addiction; from high-end treatment centers to private practice and the NHS. Each therapist in MITC has their own unique music industry experience and psychotherapy specialisms to help provide the best care possible for people in the munis industry who may need their support.
They understand that the working conditions of the music industry can exacerbate pre-existing psychological difficulties as well as sow the seeds for new challenges to develop. That’s why they work to provide a safe, confidential, trustworthy and culturally-sensitive space for their clients to share, understand and process their experiences leading to increased self-awareness, resilience, self-compassion and self-agency. To learn more about what they do, visit their website here.
Silence The Shame
Silence the Shame is a nonprofit organization that focuses on education and awareness of mental health in this industry. They work tirelessly to eliminate the shame and stigma that all too often comes with seriously addressing mental health. They also offer recurring community conversations, mental health first-aid training, volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, and so much more. Get in on the action here.
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems. They provide services and financial assistance for career musicians, singers, composers and arrangers. Assistance is available to artists from any music genre located in the U.S. and Canada. Read more about Sweet Relief’s qualifying guidelines here.
Music Health Alliance
Music Health Alliance’s mission is to Heal the Music by providing access to healthcare through services that protect, direct, and connect music professionals with medical and financial solutions. With a team of advocates and active Board of Directors and Advisory Board, MHA has now served 20,000 music industry professionals and their families, and secured over $100 million in healthcare cost reductions to Heal the Music. Want to learn more? Check out their website right here.
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Music Minds Matter
With 99 years of supporting musicians under their belt, this organization understands the complexity of working in music. Music Minds Matter was created as a dedicated service for anyone working in the industry who is struggling to cope, or know someone who is. It doesn’t have to be a crisis, or even about music. In addition, their Music Minds Matter Counsellors are available at any time to listen, support, and help anyone in need.
MusiCares
MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares’ services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical, and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. Additionally, MusiCares focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.
Backline
Backline connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources–streamlining access to a network of trusted organizations and care providers that specifically understand this line of work. Our friends at Backline have some of the best mental health resources in the game, which we broke down in this post to help you out.
Finessed Media
Finessed Media is a New York City-based WOC-led startup which provides resources and education for underrepresented artists and other music industry entrepreneurs, and hosts quarterly events focused on mental health featuring professionals from across the music industry.
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There are mental health resources all over the country available for those who need help. All of us have experienced the damage done by the pressures of this industry to some of our greatest minds. From Avicii to Mac Miller, these issues affect everyone and anyone. Through de-stigmatizing the way we talk about mental health, we reassure those suffering from it that they can feel comfortable asking for help when they need it. Everyone should have the resources to reach out without judgement and move forward with confidence.
You are not alone.
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Never be afraid to ask for help. If you need it, we’re here to give it.
