5 Mental Health Resources For Musicians

Even in the best of times, independent musicians often struggles with issues like anxiety and depression, and with so much uncertainty regarding the current Coronavirus pandemic permeating all aspects of daily life, having mental health resources available for artists is more important than ever.

Guest post by Randi Zimmerman of the Symphonic Blog

Over 70% of independent musicians struggle with anxiety, depression or some other mental health issue. Let’s face it, being a musician is challenging. The consistent pressure to be the best can become overwhelming, and those high expectations can take a large toll on anyone’s mental health. In this day and age, it’s important to provide 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.

5 Mental Health Resources for Musicians

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 comes with seriously addressing mental health.

Silence The Shame offers mental support and promotes mental well-being by providing public programs, informational resources and public outreach to do their part in supporting and normalizing the conversation surrounding mental health.

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 about Sweet Relief’s qualifying guidelines here.

The Wishart Group

The Wishart Group’s primary goal is to align artists with the leading scientists and advocates to capture public attention and direct that attention to creating specific and effective action within the industry. They’re an artist-led company dedicated to mental health and wellness in making professional music and art a viable and sustainable career for all.

As they work to build a community of musicians, supporters and media who can advocate about mental health safely and knowledgeably, The Wishart Group is minimizing the stigma surrounding the way we talk about mental health in hopes of a better tomorrow.

————

Additional Resources:

National Resources for Musicians During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Spotify for Artists to Launch New Feature for COVID-19 Fundraising

————

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.

Click here to learn more.

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.

Backline Case Management is still available during the COVID-19 crisis. Their case managers will work one-on-one with you to provide you with the resources you need to keep going.

Click here to connect with a case manager.

You are not alone.

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 can hit 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. They can reach out without judgement and move forward with confidence.

Never be afraid to ask for help. If you need it, we’re here to give it.