MYTH BUSTING

Where to go (and how to ask) for help

1. WHEN YOU START FEELING ALONE & DISCONNECTED TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS

“I know we don’t talk much… I’m going through a tough time and I feel like you’re someone I can trust. Are you free to talk (day/time)?”

2. WHEN YOU DON’T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT, BUT YOU NEED SUPPORT

“I’m in a bad place but I’m not ready to talk about it. Can you help me distract myself?”

3. IF YOU CAN’T BE ALONE, CALL THOSE YOU TRUST

“I don’t feel safe by myself right now. Can you stay on the phone with me or come over until I calm down?”

4. WHEN YOU ARE CLOSE TO REACHING YOUR LIMIT

5. WHEN YOU CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE

“I’m suicidal. I need help right now.”

Adapted from: Healthline

MILK & HONEY

WELLNESS

MENTAL HEALTH IS A MAJOR EPIDEMIC IN THE ARTS THAT IS NOT OFTEN RECOGNISED OR SUPPORTED BY SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS. MILK & HONEY IS DEDICATED TO MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AND MAKING SURE OUR CLIENTS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS STAY WELL.

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?

Mental health is of ever-growing importance within the music industry and needs our attention now more than ever. Around 1 in every 5 people will experience a mental health issue in a given year and 73% of independent musicians suffer from symptoms of mental illness. Inconsistent incomes, lack of access to healthcare, touring and significant workloads can lead to burnout, as well as having further impact on our health such as depression and anxiety.

Our health isn’t just physical, it also includes our emotional, social and psychological states which are collectively considered mental health.

Our mental health affects how we behave, interact, think, and feel and directly contributes to our physical well-being. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US and the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year old’s globally.

Our aim, is to help raise awareness on this topic and to act as an advocate for our clients, managers, and friends. As executives, in our daily travels and work, we are mindful of both clients and colleagues that could use help, but are also focused on making sure that everyone maintains good mental health and quality of life.

HOW DO I KNOW THE STATE OF MY WELLBEING?

Mental health check-in:

Am I following a regular sleep schedule?

Do I have a balanced diet?

Am I practicing self-care and reflecting about my problems to find solutions?

Am I nurturing my relationships?

Am I regularly exercising?

Do I feel anxious often?

SERVICES

RAD – Provides free mental health services, such as therapy and psychiatrist.

Poters Call – Offers service of counsel and support to recording artists and their families.

Music Health Alliance – Provides access to health care.

Backline – Connects music industry professionals to mental health and wellness resources.

Sweet Relief – Helps financially struggling musicians

Send me a friend – Recovering alcoholics accompany artists that are working on their sobriety during tours.

Talkspace – Online therapy

RESOURCES

Association for Electronic Music (AFEM) Launch:

MENTAL GUIDE FOR PEOPLE WORKING IN ELECTRONIC MUSIC

Apps

Calm
Headspace
Shine app

Books:

13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do / Amy Morin
The Untethered Soul / Michael A. Singer
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck / Mark Manson
Mindfulness in Eight Weeks: The Revolutionary 8 Week Plan to Clear Your Mind and Calm Your Life / Michael Chaskalson

ARTICLES

‘We Can’t Have All Our Artists Die’: How the Music Industry Is Fighting the Mental-Health Crisis

Let’s Make Therapy Cool: It’s Time for the Music Industry to Rethink Mental Health (Guest Column)

‘People Are Forever Chasing An Idea of Success’: 10 Things We Learned at Paris Electronic Week’s Mental Health Panel

Mental Health & Dance Music: How ‘Not Enough Has Changed’ Since Avicii’s Death

From BTS to Justin Bieber, stars are finally talking about the mental health costs of touring

New Study Finds 73% of Independent Musicians Suffer From Symptoms of Mental Illness

The Coronavirus pandemic is pushing America into a mental health crisis

MYTH: MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS ARE NOT THAT COMMON.

Fact: Mental health problems are very common. About 1 of every 5 people will experience a mental health issue in a given year. One of every 25 has a serious mental health disorder. These include anxiety, major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

MYTH: HAVING A MENTAL ILLNESS MEANS YOU ARE “CRAZY.”

Fact: It's plain and simple, having a mental illness does not mean you are “crazy.” It means you are vulnerable. It means you have an illness with challenging symptoms — the same as someone with an illness like diabetes. While mental illness might alter your thinking, destabilize your moods or skew your perception of reality, that doesn’t mean you are “crazy.” It means you are human and are susceptible to sickness and illness, the same as any other person.

MYTH: PERSONALITY WEAKNESS OR CHARACTER FLAWS CAUSE MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS. PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS CAN SNAP OUT OF IT IF THEY TRY HARD ENOUGH.

Fact: Mental health problems have nothing to do with being lazy or weak and many people need help to get better. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including: -Biological factors, such as genes, physical illness, injury, or brain chemistry. -Life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse. -Family history of mental health problems. People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely.

MYTH: THERE IS NO HOPE FOR PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS. ONCE A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER DEVELOPS MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS, HE OR SHE WILL NEVER RECOVER.

Fact: Studies show that people with mental health problems get better and many recover completely. Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities. There are more treatments, services, and community support systems than ever before, and they work.

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