Guide to Supporting the Mental Health & Wellbeing of Musicians

It covers everything musicians, and those who work with musicians, need to know:

• The most common mental health problems, and causes, in musicians

• Healthy practices for mental wellbeing, like reframing unhelpful thoughts and practising mindfulness

• Where to get additional support, through the NHS, a charity, or privately

Research has shown that:

• Artists and performers are 7 times more likely to experience poor mental health. In fact, over 70% of musicians have experienced panic attacks and/or high levels of anxiety.

• Musicians often feel unsupported with their mental health problems. 55% state there are “gaps in the provision of services for musicians”.

• How we feel physically and mentally are linked – 30% of people with a long-term physical health condition also have a mental health condition.

• If you have sleep problems, taking a warm bath or shower before bed will lower your body temperature and can reduce the amount of time it takes for you to fall asleep by 10 minutes.