Mental Health Resources for Musicians

Over 70% of independent musicians struggle with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Let’s face it, being a musician is challenging. Hell, being human is challenging. The consistent pressure to be the best can become overwhelming, and those high expectations can take a toll on anyone’s mental health. We place the utmost importance on providing consistent support in our community for those in need. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, these resources are here to help…

Mental Health Resources for Musicians

Silence The Shame

Silence the Shame is a nonprofit organization that focuses on education and awareness of mental health in this industry. They work tirelessly to eliminate the shame and stigma that all too often comes with seriously addressing mental health.

They also offer recurring community conversations, mental health first-aid training, volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, and so much more. // Get in on the action here. 

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund

Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems. They provide services and financial assistance for career musicians, singers, composers and arrangers. Assistance is available to artists from any music genre located in the U.S. and Canada. // Read more about Sweet Relief’s qualifying guidelines here.

Music Minds Matter

With 99 years of supporting musicians under their belt, this organization understands the complexity of working in music. Music Minds Matter was created as a dedicated service for anyone working in the industry who is struggling to cope, or know someone who is. It doesn’t have to be a crisis, or even about music. In addition, their Music Minds Matter Counsellors are available at any time to listen, support, and help anyone in need.

MusiCares

MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares’ services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical, and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. Additionally, MusiCares focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community. // Click here to learn more.

Why We Rise LA

The WHY WE RISE campaign is an ongoing project of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, serving the 10 million people of LA County with education and prevention programs and providing mental health-related services to over 250,000 people each year, offering connection, hope, recovery and wellbeing.

Through the power of art, performance and creative expression, WE RISE events are calls to action, asking people to join a movement to break through barriers and to defy old assumptions about mental health. // Learn more about the campaign here. 

Backline

Backline connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources–streamlining access to a network of trusted organizations and care providers that specifically understand this line of work. Backline Case Management is still available during the COVID-19 crisis. Their case managers will work one-on-one with you to provide you with the resources you need to keep going.

Finessed Media

Finesses Media is a New York City-based WOC-led startup which provides resources and education for underrepresented artists and other music industry entrepreneurs, and hosts quarterly events focused on mental health featuring professionals from across the music industry.

You are not alone.

There are mental health resources all over the country available for those who need help.  All of us have experienced the damage done by the pressures of this industry to some of our greatest minds. From Avicii to Mac Miller, these issues affect everyone and anyone. Through de-stigmatizing the way we talk about mental health, we reassure those suffering from it that they can feel comfortable asking for help when they need it. Everyone should have the resources to reach out without judgement and move forward with confidence.

Never be afraid to ask for help. If you need it, we’re here to give it.

❤️

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Want to learn more? Check these out…

National Resources for Musicians During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Spotify for Artists to Launch New Feature for COVID-19 Fundraising