Mental Health Awareness Month: Resources for Music Industry Professionals
By Samantha Jordan, Content Operations Coordinator at Vydia
In the often unpredictable and high-pressure world of the music industry, Mental Health Awareness Month is a powerful reminder to slow down and prioritize wellness. Wanting to create authentically while keeping up with the ever-evolving demands of the industry can lead to emotional strain including increased stress, anxiety, and burnout. Despite the stigma that surrounds the topic of mental health, it’s important to create a safe space for conversation and connection among those struggling.
Fortunately, there are several outlets that provide dedicated support and resources tailored for music business professionals. Some of those organizations include:
MusiCares
Founded by The Recording Academy, MusiCares offers preventive, emergency, and recovery programs to the music community. The organization acts as a safety net for music professionals through direct financial grant programs, networks of support resources, and tailored crisis relief efforts.
The SIMS Foundation
This foundation offers education, community partnerships, and accessible managed care for music industry professionals, as well as their family members. The goal of SIMS is to destigmatize and reduce mental health and substance use issues, while supporting and enhancing the wellbeing of the music community at large.
Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too
Created by Megan Thee Stallion, Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too provides access to therapy platforms, mental health resources and helplines to those struggling. The platform also features a variety of resources specifically for the Black community, as well as members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
https://www.badbitcheshavebaddaystoo.com
Audacy’s I’m Listening Mix
Audacy’s I’m Listening Mix is a mental health initiative in the form of a listening experience. The music included could be considered an ode to Mental Health Month, including songs like “Jumper” by Third Eye Blind, “Little Secrets” by Passion Pit, and “Clementine” by Halsey.
https://www.audacy.com/im-listening
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund offers assistance to music industry workers that are struggling financially due to mental health. Funding is achieved through campaigns, events, and online fundraisers that offer awareness while also raising money for Sweet Relief grants that can cover housing and food costs, insurance premiums, prescriptions, and other necessities.
Music Industry Therapist Collective
This organization promotes access to high quality psychotherapy for music industry professionals. Music Industry Therapist Collective includes an extensive number of therapists, counselors, and psychologists who also have experience in the music business.
https://www.musicindustrytherapists.com
Backline
Backline’s goal is to create a safer and more supportive music industry, and they do so by connecting professionals and their families with providers that can help them. Sources include 1:1 help with case managers, articles and videos that offer advice, as well as partnerships with companies that offer activities such as yoga, breathwork, and meditation.
Music Minds Matter
This group is a service to anyone in the music business, whether you are on the stage or behind the scenes. Funded by music lovers, Music Minds Matter provides access to a network of experienced counselors as well as online self-care sessions that offer techniques and strategies to work through challenging times.
https://www.musicmindsmatter.org.uk
Silence The Shame
Silence The Shame’s holistic approach addresses the root causes of mental health stigma, reduces suicide rates, and improves overall health outcomes. Through fundraisers, volunteering, and many more opportunities, this nonprofit promotes health literacy, positive youth development, and self-care.
Success in the music industry isn’t only measured by streams, awards, or a sold out show. A solid foundation for achieving true success starts with prioritizing mental health and wellness. Together, we can collectively create safe and supportive environments where open and honest conversations around mental health are not only encouraged, but embraced.