#MentallySound offers a platform to discuss anxiety, fear and depression in an open, honest and non-judgemental fashion. We believe this is an important part of staying afloat.
Many of the musicians and misfits in our community are united by ongoing struggles with emotional wellbeing. 70% of musicians have experienced anxiety or depression, often as a result of their lifestyle, the unpredictable nature of the industry and their personal connection with their art.
Facing the day with balance, resilience and soundness of mind can be a struggle, however music can offer comfort, both as an artform and through the social camaraderie it provides. #MentallySound is a growing collection of articles that explore that.
#MentallySound Articles:
- How To Beat Post-Festival Depression:
- We have all been there after a great weekend: sitting in the office on Monday morning feeling like a ragdoll stuffed with shit spaghetti, desperately hoping none of our colleagues notice our mental state
- Booze, Music & Saving Your Sanity:
- Jon Turner from SoberPunks shares the story his band Petrol Bastard, how to took him to rock bottom and why you don’t need to be drunk to be punk.
- Practicing Meditation For Wellbeing On Tour:
- Jo of Bad Juju Yoga created this insightful short film whilst on tour with Japanese skate-punks Waterweed, recording the benefits and challenges of keeping up a daily meditation practice
- Post-Gig Reflections from a Promoter Who’s Prone To Panic Attacks:
- Sarah’s brutally honest account of the anxiety and stress that can come with putting on a punk gig
- Why I’m Not Coming to Your Gig Tonight:
- Social anxiety in live music can be a challenge. Support your scene, but not at the expense of your own mental health.
- We All Fall Apart At Our Own Pace:
- Sarah’s honest essay on why reaching out to your friends is hard, but we’re all going through this together.
- How Punk Rock Solved My Problem With Mortality:
- When life feels shorter than ever, fill it with the noises you love. This is Sarah’s attempt to explain why she attends so many shows
- The Monster’s Teeth Aren’t As Big As You Imagine:
- Laughing In The Face Of bassist Jimmy Carroll explains how getting onstage helped him overcome social anxiety and shyness.
- A Dead Pancreas & A Broken Heart:
- Diabetes, heartbreak and depression have changed the life of Marie from Punk Rock Avenue in 2018, but she’s brave enough to share the tale.
- The Road To Pouzza Fest:
- An insightful journal about Joelle’s anxiety-laden trip to Montreal – a heartwarming and heartbreaking account of travelling thousands of miles for the love of punk rock
- All Talk #1: What’s The Point Of Being In A DIY Punk Band?
- Mark Bartlett examines the trials and rewards of slogging away determinedly in the punk scene
- All Talk #2: Are You Trying Hard Enough?
- Mark Bartlett dissects the magic of recording, songwriting democracy and why we should all contribute to the art we enjoy.
- Death or Salvation: A Year In The Life of Tim Loud:
- The antifolk troubadour’s track-by-track explantion of how his mental health influenced his album Salvation
If you’re struggling, there is support available:
- Music Minds Matter is a 27/4 helpline offering emotional support, guidance, counselling and signposting to additional services to music industry professionals in the UK
- Music Support offer support to individuals in all areas of the UK music industry suffering from alcoholism, addiction, emotional or mental health issues.
- Samartians is a safe place for anyone to talk, at any time about whatever it getting to them.
If you’re a musician or fan and have something to get off your chest, that you’d like to write an article about, please get in touch.
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