The dark side of the stage
Mental health in the shadows of the music industry
Nika Brunet Milunovic is a dynamic project, event, and sustainability manager with extensive experience in the event and music industry, as well as a strong background in sustainability, PR, and communications. Deeply passionate about nature, animals, ecology, and human potential development, Nika is a certified Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®) and holds certifications as a Yoga RYT500 & Therapeutic Yoga Teacher, Meditation & Breathwork Teacher, and is also certified Carbon Literate. She is also a speaker and moderator at music and festival events conferences and a mentor for young music and event professionals. Nika is committed to creating environments where inclusivity and mental health advocacy are integral, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to thrive.
The music industry has always been a high-pressure environment, characterised by long hours, tight deadlines, and the constant demand for creativity. These factors, coupled with the often volatile nature of the industry – where job security is scarce and competition fierce – have led to a significant rise in mental health issues across the sector. While much of the discourse has centered around artists, it’s crucial to shine a light on those who work tirelessly behind the scenes, including festival staff, production crews, tour managers, stage managers, lighting technicians, runners, venue managers, hospitality staff, rigging crew, merchandise personnel, sound engineers, and many other essential personnel, whose mental health struggles often go unnoticed.
Multiple factors contribute to the mental health issues faced by people in the music industry. While the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, it is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Job insecurity and financial instability are significant concerns. The music industry is notorious for its lack of stability, with many factors beyond the control of artists or personnel that can significantly impact any music or event industry project. Many behind-the-scenes workers are freelancers or contract-based, facing constant uncertainty about their next job. This financial instability can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression, as individuals worry about their ability to sustain their livelihoods.
The industry is also known for its high-pressure environment and demanding schedules. Long hours and tight deadlines are the norm, with festival staff, production crews, and music production workers often working around the clock to ensure that events run smoothly and projects meet their deadlines. This relentless pace leaves little room for rest and recovery, potentially leading to burnout and other mental health issues.
Isolation and lack of support are also prevalent. Many behind-the-scenes workers spend long hours in isolation, particularly those in music production roles. The solitary nature of their work, combined with the stigma around discussing mental health issues, means that many suffer in silence. The absence of a robust support system further exacerbates the problem, leaving individuals feeling isolated and vulnerable.
Women in the music industry face unique and often unnoticed challenges that can further compound mental health issues. Managing monthly periods can be particularly difficult on tour buses or during long events, where access to proper facilities and rest is limited. Pregnancies and motherhood add another layer of complexity, as the industry’s demanding nature often leaves little room for the responsibilities of family life. Women may feel pressured to choose between advancing their careers and starting a family, leading to feelings of guilt, stress, and anxiety. The lack of adequate maternity leave, childcare options, and support for mothers makes it extremely difficult to balance professional and personal responsibilities.
Research shows that those working in the music industry are more prone to mental health problems and are up to three times more likely to suffer from clinical depression. Joe Hastings, head of Music Minds Matter, an arm of Help Musicians that provides free 24/7 mental health support for those working in the UK music industry, reported a 200% increase in those seeking support over the past two years. Even before the pandemic, a 2019 study by the Swedish platform Record Union highlighted that 73% of independent musicians struggle with mental illness, a figure that rises to 80% among those aged 18-25.
One of the biggest challenges in addressing mental health in the music industry is the stigma that surrounds it. Many behind-the-scenes workers feel that admitting to mental health struggles could be seen as a sign of weakness or could jeopardise their careers. This fear of speaking out leads to a culture of silence, where issues are left unaddressed until they become overwhelming.
The romanticisation of working in music often means that the struggles of those within it can be overlooked or misunderstood. A 2022 independent survey carried out by Music Support reveals that 84% of people looking for help within the music industry would prefer help from someone with industry experience. The “show must go on” mentality pervasive in the industry further compounds the problem.
Addressing mental health in the music industry requires a multifaceted approach that includes both systemic changes and individual support. Raising awareness about the importance of mental health and providing education on recognising the signs of burnout, anxiety, and depression can help reduce the stigma. Workshops, seminars, and training sessions for all industry workers can be an effective way to start the conversation. Ensuring that all employees, including those working behind the scenes, have access to mental health resources is crucial. This can include access to therapy, counseling services, and mental health hotlines. Creating an environment where these resources are encouraged and normalised is key.
The industry must also recognise the importance of work-life balance and encourage practices that allow for rest and recovery. This could mean more structured work schedules, mandatory rest periods, or even industry-wide mental health days where events are paused to give everyone a break. Establishing peer support networks within the industry can provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and support one another. These networks can be particularly beneficial for those who may not feel comfortable seeking formal help.
In conclusion, the music industry as a whole is built on the passion and dedication of countless individuals, many of whom work tirelessly behind the scenes. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, it’s vital that we do not overlook the mental health of these essential workers. By acknowledging their struggles, including those specific to women, and providing the necessary support, we can and must create a more sustainable and healthy environment for everyone involved in making music come to life.
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