Most people have thought about what it would be like to be a rock or hip-hop star. Success, fame, recognition, and financial security is the stuff of dreams. Many individuals also associate being a musical sensation with A-list parties and living fast with hardly any consequences. However, the real picture of a significant number of musicians’ lives is vastly different. A new report shows that mental health problems plague a statistically significant number of artists.
In recent years, pop stars have been pretty vocal about their struggles with mental health problems, including depression and addiction. Some of our favorite musical talents are in recovery. Many of them have written books that share their experience, strength, and hope.
For every success story, there exist thousands more who are in the music industry who may never be recognized. Such people write music and play gig after gig to eke out an existence. It is possible to make a living in the industry without ever becoming a household name. Still, trying to “make it,” or “get by” in the industry for that matter, can have a negative impact on one’s mental health.
A survey of nearly 1,500 independent musicians shows that almost 75 percent experienced stress, anxiety, and depression stemming from work, Billboard reports. The digital distribution platform Record Union conducted the study.
Mental Health in the Music Industry
May is, many of you will remember, Mental Health Month. In keeping with the theme of mental well-being, screening, treatment, and recovery, we felt it necessary to share this study with you. Pacific Shores operates in Southern California, which is home to thousands of musicians.
The survey inquired about stress, anxiety, depression, and substance use. Respondents also fielded questions about the factors behind the musicians’ experiences. Participants cited pressure to deliver, financial issues, and fears of failure as negatively impacting their mental health.
Key takeaways include:
- 33 percent experienced panic attacks.
- 57 percent reported worrying about their mental health.
- 41 percent worry about their mental health multiple times a day.
Of those who report symptoms of mental illness, only 39 percent reported having sought out treatment, according to the article. Of the group reporting symptoms of mental illness, 51 percent said they used alcohol and drugs to self-medicate.
Record Union has launched The 73 Percent campaign to help support the mental health of independent musicians. The company is donating $30,000 to projects supporting struggling artists. Please watch a short video about the campaign below.
If you are having trouble watching, please click here.
“Our study is telling us that something needs to change,” said Record Union CEO Johan Svanberg in a statement. “It’s time to put the state of our artists’ mental health on the agenda, before streams and commercial success. We as an industry must wake up and ask ourselves: What’s our responsibility in this and what can we do to create a healthier music climate?”
Orange County Addiction Treatment
Self-medicating the symptoms of mental illness often results in dependence and addiction. If you are struggling with drugs and alcohol, please contact Pacific Shores Recovery. We offer several different programs and services to meet the unique needs of each client.
We welcome you to reach out at any time to learn more about making addiction recovery your reality. 888-435-7750
