Through our Tonic Rider programme we work with many musicians working that struggle with their mental health.
We see time and time again how work uncertainties and financial insecurity generate a cycle of anxiety and overwhelming pressure, and how a lack of work-life balance creates isolation and affects personal relationships.
Mental state can suffer due to the swinging highs and lows of the music profession, from the elation of performing and receipt of praise and admiration, to the lows of rejection and negative critique. This leaves many musicians feeling as though they are riding an emotional pendulum, which plays havoc with self-esteem and self-worth and can lead to heightened anxiety, self-reproaches, difficulties with perfectionism, and emotional dysregulation.
The impact of criticism and rejection may be downplayed as being ‘part and parcel’ of the profession, and the somewhat toxic attitude of needing to develop a thicker skin is often adopted, however, it’s important not to forget the emotional and mental distress this can cause as their music is often tied up with identity and sense of self. Even with the awareness of their existence in a work environment where critical feedback is the norm, where musicians are constantly being compared to one another, and where recognition isn’t always received, these experiences can still feel ‘soul destroying.’ With this in mind, it’s easy to see how emotionally high-staked gaining and maintaining success can be, and knowing this can be fleeting, it can feel like a constant battle to stay at the top of your game.
Discrimination, bullying, misogyny, and sexual harassment in the music industry is not uncommon. But there is no HR, and there may be hesitation to speak out due to implications on your career.
There is also pressure to look a certain way, particularly for female musicians, which can lead to low self-esteem, unhealthy preoccupation with physical appearance, and even eating disorders.
Aside from physical exhaustion from demanding work schedules and lack of sleep, poor mental health can also manifest physical symptoms. Depression, for example, can cause a lack of energy, and even chronic fatigue. Making demanding working hours or mustering up performance energy even more challenging. Depression and anxiety can cause unexplained aches and pains - especially problematic when playing. Other physical issues resulting from anxiety that can impact performance are body tension, respiratory difficulties, dry throat, and shaking.
To admit you are struggling may be difficult, and showing vulnerability or anything that may be perceived as ‘weakness’ in a competitive and often cut-throat environment feels unsafe. Many musicians will plough on depressed, burnt-out, anxious, and feeling alone. There’s also consequential fear that implementing changes that may be good for their wellbeing, such as taking time out or turning down work, could be detrimental to their career and income. There’s a sense of feeling trapped or being unable to take your ‘foot off the peddle’. There is no compassionate leave or paid holidays.
This is why Tonic Rider is dedicated to providing music-industry-specific mental health support and offering safe spaces for musicians. We provide Peer Support Groups, preventive workshops, and 1-1 support and therapy for musicians who may be struggling. Our facilitators are qualified and trainee psychotherapists and mental health practitioners, with experience of working in the music industry and understand the challenges that musicians face. Our aim is to continue to provide emotional support to musicians navigating and attempting to sustain a career in the music industry.
