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Prioritizing Artists' Mental Health: A Call to Action

Writer's picture: Salih GulbaySalih Gulbay



As a psychologist and an artist, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound connection between mental health and creativity. Artists pour their emotions, experiences, and vulnerabilities into their work, making their mental well-being essential not just for personal growth, but for the broader cultural landscape. In a world that often ignores the mental health needs of creative individuals, it’s time we recognize and prioritize this critical issue.

The Struggles Artists Face

Studies indicate that artists are at a higher risk for mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. A meta-analysis published in Psychological Bulletin found that individuals in artistic occupations are more likely to experience mood disorders than those in other professions (C. J. Stansfeld et al., 2019). This correlation can often be traced to the pressures of the industry, financial instability, and the fear of judgment or rejection. What might be the reason for this correlation? Sensibility? Increased emotional perception? Maybe it is all a side effect of being an artist, sometimes it is not just a choice but a calling to exist as who we are in the society that we live in.


Why Accessible Mental Health Care is Crucial

  1. Creativity and Vulnerability: Creating art requires a level of vulnerability that can exacerbate mental health challenges. Artists often draw upon their personal experiences, which can be emotionally taxing. Accessible mental health resources can provide a supportive environment for artists to explore these feelings safely.


  2. Preventing Burnout: The art world is notorious for its demanding schedules and competitive atmosphere. This can lead to burnout, a state of chronic stress that not only affects productivity but also mental well-being. According to the World Health Organization, burnout is characterized by feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance from one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy. Accessible mental health care can help artists develop coping strategies to manage stress and maintain their passion.


  3. Community and Connection: Artists often work in isolation, which can heighten feelings of loneliness and alienation. Mental health support can foster community and connection among artists, providing a platform for shared experiences and mutual understanding. During our Hip Hop Project In applications, we have a powerful impact on artists in the music therapy, and psychotherapy field. Many artists participated in the Integral Hip Hop Intervention Method for asylum seeker youth’s trauma symptom reduction and bringing their creativity to the therapy space. Now it is time to attend to the artists’ psychological needs in these complex times of economic crisis, war, and other impacts that push the creative flow to the limits of blockage.



Current Initiatives and Recommendations




Several organizations are already taking steps to address the mental health needs of artists. Initiatives like The Artist's Health Insurance Initiative and Musicians' Health Alliance provide resources and support tailored to the unique challenges artists face. However, there’s still much work to be done. Project IN’s Co-Create is an initiative to bring more light to artist’s mental health needs and provide accessible psychotherapy, community building, and therapeutic interventions for artists in Europe and the Middle East.


The Possibilities:

  • Integration of Mental Health Support in Artistic Communities: Establishing regular workshops, peer support groups, and access to therapists who specialize in working with artists.


  • Policy Changes: Government and organizational policies that fund mental health programs specifically for artists and cultural workers.


  • Encourage Open Conversations: Normalize discussions around mental health in the arts, allowing artists to share their struggles without stigma. Bringing up space for artists from the part of mental health professionals and discovering more on how to attend to the psychological needs of the artists.


  • Utilize Technology: Digital platforms can provide accessible mental health resources, including teletherapy options tailored for artists, Project IN’s Co-Create is opening up an online intervention and monitoring service for artists who need support, you can fill out the online form on the Co-Create webpage to start your journey.


Conclusion

As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, attending to artists' mental health is more important than ever. Supporting their well-being not only nurtures individual creativity but also enriches our cultural landscape and develops society as a whole. Any moment we spend with artistic creativity, we are building a better future, a more colorful and inclusive society, and a possibility of life without war and violence. Time to work for accessible mental health resources, foster community, and create a culture that values the mental health of artists as much as their social media posts (I would love to say their “art”, but I hope we will get there…). By recognizing and addressing the mental health needs of artists, we can ensure a vibrant, sustainable future for creativity and culture. Let's take this journey together, fostering an environment where artists can thrive both personally and professionally.


References

  • C. J. Stansfeld, et al. (2019). Mental health and emotional well-being among artists: A systematic review. Psychological Bulletin.

  • Gulbay, S. (2021, October). Exploring the use of hip hop-based music therapy to address trauma in asylum seeker and unaccompanied minor migrant youth. In Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy (Vol. 21, No. 3).

  • National Endowment for the Arts. (2020). Arts and cultural production satellite account: Current economic conditions. Retrieved from NEA website.

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