What is the Mental Musician?
The Mental Musician is a new series of discussions and stories about the mental health struggles and challenges that real life musicians face on a daily basis. Each week I will release a new blog and article that breaks down the variety of issues and factors that contribute to depression and anxiety amongst musicians including:
financial stress
low confidence and self-worth
dealing with criticism
the uncertainty of work and career stability
burnout
My hope is that this blog creates a supporting environment and community of musicians and non-musicians alike, who are able to open up and share their stories, with the goal of eradicating the misunderstood nature and stigma attached to mental health.
It’s strange to think that despite the fact that there has never been more access to professional help and educational resources on mental health, it is hardly discussed at all levels of music education.
As musicians, when asked what are the most importants skills required to be a great musician, we often give answers such as…
practising everyday
listening to great music
finding a good teacher/mentor
start performing live
learn great songs
write your own music
Of course, all of these things are important and part of the journey, but given that music requires such a high level of emotional and psychological investment, it’s quite damning to believe that mental health and strong mental fitness is rarely included as an important skill.
Ironically, musicians dedicate their whole lives to trying to make the world a better place through the songs that they share to the world. More often than not, when we are struggling ourselves, we turn to our favourite songs and musicians for comfort in tough times.
And yet, more and more musicians are suffering from depression everyday and alarmingly, suicide rates amongst musicians are still far too high. In fact, anything above zero is way too high…
Imagine if the likes of Kurt Cobain, Chris Cornell or Chester Bennington were given the opportunity to be more open and vulnerable about their mental health battles…perhaps they would’ve lived to see another day…
So my hope with this series is to start the conversation, and continue it for years to come. For centuries, musicians have given us so much joy, love, hope and reason to believe a better world is possible.
Let’s return the favour.
Because musicians are just as human and vulnerable as the music that they share for us to listen to and hold onto. It’s about time that they can be vulnerable and open up without having to write a song first.