It’s easy for people to stereotype musicians as carefree and fun. There are so many depictions of a “rock n’ roll” lifestyle that musicians have been painted a certain way over the years. But because of that, most people don’t consider the fact that their favorite performers could be struggling with mental health issues.
According to a recent report, however, 73% of surveyed musicians are suffering from mental illness. What’s worse? Only a small percentage of them feel that the music industry provides conditions that are conducive to positive mental health.
If you’re in the industry, that statistic may not surprise you. But, have you ever wondered why mental health struggles are so prominent among musicians? The sooner those answers are brought forward, the more likely it will be for musicians dealing with mental health issues to get the help they need, so this potentially deadly statistic can start to come down.
Glamorizing Mental Health Struggles
It’s not uncommon to think of the “tortured artist” when it comes to great music. Some might argue that the greatest musicians in history struggled with mental health issues and that those with mental conditions may even be more creative.
But at what cost?
Consider some of the world’s most famous musicians who publicly battled mental illness, including:
- Kurt Cobain
- Amy Winehouse
- Janis Joplin
- Brian Wilson
Even young artists today aren’t immune to mental health struggles. Musicians like Demi Lovato, Ed Sheeran, and Billie Eilish have all opened up about their personal battles. For too long, those battles have been romanticized in the industry. Kurt Cobain wrote incredible songs, and his lyrics resonated with many. In fact, his “depression” eventually became a part of who he was, as a musician. Ultimately, however, that led to a life of addiction and an eventual suicide. Amy Winehouse had a similar fate, as well as a growing list of artists from the 20th and 21st centuries.
When so few musicians believe there is mental health support in the industry, that’s a problem. If artists don’t feel supported or they feel their mental health isn’t a priority, they’re less likely to seek out help on their own. That is exactly why more mental health providers are needed. It’s a problem in the country, as a whole. But, it’s a big issue in the music industry when so many artists are at a tipping point.
When It Becomes a Problem
First of all, any mental health issues you might be struggling with should be taken seriously. Depression, anxiety, or any other condition you’re dealing with isn’t “cool” and it won’t make you a better artist. In fact, if you ignore the problem, it’s far too easy for it to spin out of control.
The best thing you can do is to pay attention to your mind and body. Be aware of any signs/symptoms of mental health struggles, including:
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Excessive worry
- Sweating
- Changes in eating/sleeping habits
You might also feel constantly fatigued, which is more than just tiredness. It can cause a lack of motivation to do the things you typically love, including writing music or playing live. Fatigue can also cause chronic pain, making it difficult to do almost anything, and fueling your depression further.
If you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, it’s important to get help as quickly as possible. The longer you wait to seek out some type of treatment, the worse these symptoms can become. That tends to be the point when people turn to alternative coping mechanisms.
For musicians, the stereotype tends to be turning toward drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, that often only fuels feelings of depression or other mental health disorders, causing a cyclical pattern that’s hard to escape.
What You Can Do
It doesn’t matter if you’re an independent musician or on a major label. Preventing and treating mental health conditions should always be your top priority. If you’re already struggling, one of the best things you can do is talk to a mental health professional. Even if you’re on the road a lot, consider teletherapy. Or, join a support group online that can help you no matter where you are.
It’s also important to take care of yourself on a daily basis by finding ways to de-stress and deal with anxiety or depression. Spend time outside, stay active, and practice healthy habits. If you find yourself overly stressed, consider things like meditation or mindfulness to help you control your thoughts.
The mental health issues facing musicians are very real. It’s just as dangerous to ignore them as it is to glamorize them. By taking care of your own mental health, you’re doing your part to fight back against certain stigmas in the industry. The more everyone educates themselves and realizes how important mental health care is for musicians, the sooner this alarming trend can start to weaken.
Courtesy of Indiana Lee
Great article, many thanks.
Many musicians and artists I’ve met have especially strong emotional responses, and that can be expressed through their art.
Many of the greatests songs wouldn’t have been written without pain.
Their work can be an amazing release for the artist and others.