Musicians have often been viewed as the quintessential embodiment of passion, resilience, and creativity. Although it may appear from the outside looking in that these performers have all the glamour and success that anyone could want, the reality is that they face unique mental health struggles that can often be daunting and challenging to deal with in the modern era.

In the past, musicians were often thought to be wild, moody, and carefree, and this perception has often been quite harmful. Rather than accepting that their mental health has been in a state of flux as a result of their rigorous and frequently solitary musical occupation, musicians have been expected to embody the same level of stoic and often anxious persona that has expected of other professions.

This sort of pressure has lead to an increasing level of fear and stress in the lives of musicians. For many successful artists, the pressure to remain and increase their level of fame and success presents a range of psychological struggles that can be hard to manage. Hence, the combination of high stakes, long and potentially tedious hours, and the competitive nature of the industry can cause added levels of anxiety that many find difficult to counter.

Musicians are more susceptible to mental health struggles due to the fact that their job often requires periods of solitude and isolation from the world around them. This can lead to increased levels of loneliness, sadness, and sometimes even depression for those getting into their craft. Additionally, many artists also feel that because of their artistic expression and their music, there is an expectation of perfection that is difficult to navigate. This can ultimately lead to feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt.

The media has also taken a toll on the mental well-being of artists. It is a harsh reminder that the constant spotlight can be taxing and sometimes oppressive. Unprovoked, cruel judgments and criticisms, along with little room to build meaningful and authentic relationships can result in a feeling of being overwhelmed, misunderstood and becoming disconnected from their own support systems.

To further exacerbate this, social media has increased the pressure to be available at all times and to remain vigilant of one’s own public image. Even in their downtime, many musicians feel the need to compete for their audience’s approval and make sure that their content is both positive and engaging–which can make the balance between work life and personal life extremely difficult.

For those seeking to break into the industry, the path is often full of twists and turns, and doesn’t always provide the level of stability that is often needed to keep mental health in check. The combination of the financial risk, scrutiny and criticism of those choosing the career path of a musician can cause extreme anxiety, particularly in the early stages of a career.

Moreover, due to the relentless nature of the industry and the overwhelming nature of the music industry, it is common for artists to feel a deep sense of self-doubt and helplessness. This can manifest in many forms, from a lack of confidence to a tendency to make impulsive decisions that can have an immense impact on one’s career.

Ultimately, the music industry has been guilty of neglecting the fact that its practitioners face unique mental health struggles that deserve the utmost respect and attention. It is important for all individuals connected with the profession to help provide the necessary tools for artists to overcome these difficulties, such as providing access to mental health professionals and mitigating the pressure that is often encountered in day-to-day operations.

In order to ensure that the principles of psychological health are upheld, one must always prioritize the real-life needs of artists over the romanticism of their art. This includes getting adequate rest, having proper nutrition, and making time for meaningful activities to preserve their own mental health, and ultimately the success of the industry itself.