Mental Health & Music Statistics
What can impact a musician’s mental wellness?
A Help Musicians UK report based on a commissioned University of Westminster study results reveal that those working in music may be up to three times more likely to experience depression, compared to the general public:
69% of all respondents reported they had experienced depression
71% said they had experienced panic attacks and/or high levels of anxiety
Quick facts:
2,211 (self-selected) respondents took part in the industry-wide survey
71.1% of all respondents believed they had experienced panic attacks and/or high levels of anxiety
68.5% reported they had experienced depression
[Of those that reported] 30% claimed they would be very likely to, or had already sought help
55% felt there were gaps in the provision of services for musicians
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Preliminary findings suggested that while artists find solace in the production of music, working in the music industry might indeed be making musicians sick, or at least contributing to their levels of mental ill-health. Respondents attributed this to a variety of reasons including:
Poor working conditions including: the difficulty of sustaining a living, anti-social working hours, exhaustion and the inability to plan their time/future
A lack of recognition for one's work and the welding of music and identity into one's own idea of selfhood
The physical impacts of a musical career, such as musculoskeletal disorders
Issues related to being a woman in the industry – from balancing work and family commitments, to sexist attitudes and even sexual harassment
Headline findings for this qualitative research include:
Music makers' relationship to their work is integral to their sense of self. It's how they define themselves.
People in the music industry needed to believe in themselves and their work, yet the unpredictable nature of the business can knock that belief.
Music makers can be reflective and highly self-critical, and exist in an environment of constant critical feedback.
A career in music is often precarious and unpredictable.
Many musicians have several different jobs as part of a portfolio career, and as a result can feel as though they work 24/7 and can't take a break.
It can be hard for musicians to admit to insecurities because of competition and wanting to appear on top of things.
Family, friends, and partners play an important role in supporting musicians, but this can also lead to feelings of guilt.
Musicians' working environment can be anti-social and unsympathetic, with some people experiencing sexual abuse, harassment, bullying and coercion.
What can we do about it?
The research suggested 3 key areas for change:
Education
A code of best practices
A mental health support service for those working in music
This is what Music Minds Matter is about. It’s about educating ourselves and our community. It’s about creating a code of best practices. And most importantly, it’s about creating a community of mental wellness support for those working in music.
Can Music Make You Sick - Headline Findings