In a career where we put ourselves out to be judged on the daily, whether that be on our talent, appearance or creativity, and where so much of our life’s meaning & personal value is entwined with our work. Combined with the pressures of being self-employed as many artists are, it’s no wonder that creatives are more likely to suffer from mental health issues when compared to other industries.
Studies of artists and writers collated in Scientific American confirm that artists and writers are up to 20 times more likely to suffer from bipolar disorder, and 10 times more likely to suffer from depression.
With the industry still recovering from the aftermath of Covid-19 and unsettling current affairs. It’s vital that we all feel we have somewhere to turn.
At the core of my teaching is a holistic approach to performance, helping you take control and ownership of your talent, business and self. It’s important to me that those I work with feel safe and valued and I will always be happy to listen. Sometimes, however, we may need a little more help to get us back on track. Here is a list of resources and organisations you may wish to contact when things get tough.
Valuable Resources
Applause for Thought
Website: www.applauseforthought.com
Applause for thought is a triple award-winning Community Interest Company that facilitates lower-cost mental health through the mediums of support, talks and workshops, accredited mental health training and bespoke consultancy. To all those working in the arts and entertainment industry.
Industry Minds
Website: www.industryminds.co.uk
Industry Minds is an award-winning and industry leading mental health charity for the creative arts. Founded in 2018 by Scarlett Maltman and Cathy Read, the platform was created with a goal to better mental health support to those within the creative arts and break the stigma against mental illness.
BAPAM (British Association for Performing Arts Medicine) Phone: 020 8167 4775
Website: www.bapam.org.uk
BAPAM deliver expert health and wellbeing services for those working in the Performing Arts. Their expert clinicians understand the demands of a performing arts career and can help you with physical and mental health problems related to your creative practice.
SHOUT 85258
Text: 85258
Website: www.giveusashout.org
SHOUT’s trained volunteers are there for you 24/7 to listen and support you to get to a calmer and safe place. Shout is a free, confidential, anonymous service for anyone in the UK. It won’t appear on your phone bill. To start a conversation, text the word 'SHOUT' to 85258.
BEAT Eating disorders Phone: 0808 801 0677
Website: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
WebChat available
Their national Helpline exists to encourage and empower people to get help quickly, the sooner someone starts treatment, the greater their chance of recovery. People can contact BEAT online or by phone 365 days a year. They listen, help to understand the illness, and support individuals to take positive steps towards recovery. They also support family and friends, equipping them with essential skills and advice, so they can help their loved ones recover whilst also looking after their own mental health.
MindOut (LGBTQ Mental Health Service)
Phone: 01273 234839
Website: www.mindout.org.uk
WebChat available
MindOut work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all LGBTQ communities and to make mental health a community concern. They recognise that our communities are wonderfully diverse and welcome all LGBTQ+ people including those who identify as asexual, aromantic, pansexual, non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid and intersex. Their services are based in Brighton & Hove but their online support service is available globally.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
Phone: 0800 58 58 58
Website: www.thecalmzone.net WebChat available CALM run a free, confidential and anonymous helpline as well as a webchat service, offering help, advice and information to anyone who is struggling or in crisis.
Anxiety UK Phone: 03444 775 774 Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Anxiety UK aim to help anyone affected by anxiety through information and support, including talking therapies and self-help groups.
Headspace
Website: www.headspace.com
An app that teaches mindfulness and meditation to improve wellbeing.
How can I help others?
Consider mental health training, here’s a couple of services providing training and support, whether that be for an individual or for a workplace.
Zero Suicide Alliance
Website: https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com
ZSA provide free suicide awareness training that teaches people how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Mental Health First Aid England
Website: https://mhfaengland.org
MHFA provide mental health training online and face to face. As a social enterprise their vision is to improve the mental health of the nation. They say no matter which sector you work in, coronavirus will have had an impact on all people and their mental health and wellbeing. They are focused on providing support to the workplace through adapted training and new resources. Supporting organisations to look after the mental health of their employees.
It's been proven that singing can do wonders for our mental health! And though singing can't fix everything, I promise to always provide a safe and supportive space for my students, helping you navigate this whirlwind of a wonderful (yet trying!) industry.
Jennifer x
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