Help Musicians UK launches 24-hour mental health hotline for musicians
The Music Minds Matter offers 24/7 support to those in the music industry
The charity Help Musicians UK has officially launched their 24/7 helpline, Music Minds Matter, after a recent study discovered that musicians were three times more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression compared to the general public – the world’s largest study into music and mental health to date.
Amongst other things, the study highlighted that music makers’ work is integral to their sense of self, that their precarious careers exist in an environment of constant critical feedback, and that guilt, insecurity and unsympathetic working conditions are rife in the industry.
The hotline on 0808 802 8008 operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A statement on the official website reads:
“Help Musicians UK understands the complexity of working in music and recognises the need for support to reflect the nature and unique challenges those in the industry can face. If you want someone to talk to, or even explore avenues for ongoing support, get in touch, anytime. We’re here to help.”
Read Chris Donald’s opinion piece on this subject from August, ‘Music Careers and Mental Health’.
