Talking about mental health has become increasingly commonplace over the years. Even so, suicide is a topic often glossed over until it happens to someone you love. We understand the importance of open conversation and the urgency of keeping it that way, now and for future generations to come. With National Suicide Prevention Week upon us, we’re taking this time to provide resources to try and aid the conversation, provide support and offer a safe space for anyone who needs it.

National Suicide Prevention Week Mental Health Resources

Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.

The TrevorLifeline is a crisis intervention and suicide prevention phone service available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386. TrevorText is available by texting “START” to 678678.

Music Industry Therapist Collective

Founded by psychotherapist and former venue and festival programmer Tamsin Embleton, MITC has extensive experience of working with mental health, mental illness and addiction; from high-end treatment centers to private practice and the NHS. Each therapist in MITC has their own unique music industry experience and psychotherapy specialisms to help provide the best care possible for people in the music industry who may need their support.

They understand that the working conditions of the music industry can exacerbate pre-existing psychological difficulties as well as sow the seeds for new challenges to develop. That’s why they work to provide a safe, confidential, trustworthy and culturally-sensitive space for their clients to share, understand and process their experiences leading to increased self-awareness, resilience, self-compassion and self-agency. To learn more about what they do, visit their website here.

SAMHSA’s Suicide Prevention Resource Center

SAMHSA’s SPRC provides accurate data, up-to-date research, and knowledge of effective strategies and interventions that are essential to our ability to prevent suicide. With it you can find programs, toolkits, fact sheets, and other resources to help you take effective action. Visit their website right 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.

You Got This

You Got This is a mental health, suicide prevention, and self care program that provides resources and education for the creative community. Created by the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic, this program was built by professionals who truly care about the betterment of those looking for hope and social connection through difficult times. You can also sign up for their weekly newsletter for updates and support. Sign up here.

Phantogram and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The New York-based electro-pop group Phantogram teamed up with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention after singer Sarah Barthel’s sister Becky took her life in 2016. Since then, the band has donated $1 from every ticket sale for a series of shows to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and has reached over $68k so far. (Click here to donate.)

“Today, and every day, we’re reminded of the opportunity each one of us has to make a difference in someone else’s life – whether it’s reaching out to someone who needs help, getting care yourself, or supporting organizations on the frontlines of saving lives.” – Phantogram

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death. // Are you or someone you know in a crisis? Call 800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741.

AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health by engaging in the following core strategies:

• Funding scientific research
• Educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention
• Advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention
• Supporting survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide

Learn more about AFSP here.

MusiCares

MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. Their 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 music industry’s resources and attention on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community. Visit the website and learn more 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.

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You Are Not Alone.

In the 2018 study conducted by the Music Industry Research Association (MIRA) in partnership with Princeton University and MusiCares, 50% of musicians reported battling symptoms of depression, compared with less than 25 percent of the general adult population. Nearly 12 percent reported having suicidal thoughts — nearly four times the general population.

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 judgment and move forward with confidence and hope for a better future.

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

In the meantime, check out our other mental health resources…

• Mental Health Resources for Musicians
• 7 Best Apps To Help Improve Your Mental Health
• 6 Self Care Tips To Better Your Mental Health