Video above: how talking up about mental health and suicide can benefit all.
It feeds into the trope of the tortured creatives: that angst, depression and mental illness are somehow intrinsically connected to ‘great art’.
It’s an idea that goes all the way back to the Greek legend of Philotetes - an injured soldier exiled on a remote island (suffering), who goes on to invent weapons the Greeks would come to use to win in battles (art).
But now, more and more creative communities - and the fans that worship them - are waking up to the idea that mental illness is not driver of great art.
Creativity and mental illness
Support Act Executive Officer Clive Miller says the reasons for mental illness in artists are more often environmental than biological.
“It's a very insecure lifestyle, there’s only a small percentage of people who are really comfortable within the music industry - most people are struggling,” Miller says.
“They struggle throughout the course of their lives.
One minute they’re in the spotlight and if they feel like that has gone away for whatever reason that creates a whole range of issues.
Support Act directly addresses this instability - offering mental health services through a 24/7 Wellbeing helpline.
“People have felt that they really don’t understand their [artists] lifestyle. Our helpline counselors understand what it’s like to be on tour, away from home and perhaps in need of someone to talk to.”
Financial stress is another factor. According to Music Australia, just 16% earn more than $50,000 a year. The majority (56%) make less than $10,000 a year.
This is another aspect of Support Act’s services - providing financial assistance in times of need.
“There are a lot of things that come with embracing a creative lifestyle that exacerbates issues like anxiety, depression, addiction,” Miller says.
“People are often surviving on a day to day basis but when something unexpected happens that's what tips them into crisis which leads to anxiety, depression and in extreme cases suicide.”
Art without pain
Brisbane musician Jeremy Neale has been releasing music for almost a decade now, striking success under his own name and as the frontman of Velociraptor.
“What mostly creates great art is the drive to create, and having a story, experience or world view worth sharing,” he told The Feed.
He says that, contrary to popular belief, the best art comes from happiness - not pain.
I am most energised and excited by the potential of music when I’m happy, in balance and practicing good self care.
Neale confirms what Miller says, that it’s often not mental illness that births great arts but the reverse.
“Maybe I sometimes write songs as a form of therapy or in place of a diary but I think the desire to create is often the cause of any torture - because of its impact on your time, headspace and finances,
“Music is incredibly expensive (recording, manufacturing, marketing and touring) and even though you create exactly what you want to create - how it is received by an audience can be taxing on your confidence and your ability to continue financially.”
Speak up
The music industry might exist in an environment that can exacerbate mental illness, but it also contains a powerful community.
“With [mental illness] such a high prevalence in the industry, an empathetic ear is never far away - even if it doesn’t necessarily feel that way when you’re struggling,” Neale says.
“I think the stigma around mental health and asking for help are thankfully fading as time goes on. I think we’re in a much better place than we were 10 years ago and I hope this rings progressively more true as time goes on.”
If you work in the music industry and need someone to talk to please call the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline: 1800 959 500
Alternatively, If you would like to talk to someone about your mental health, here are some people ready for your call:
• beyondblue support service line 1300 22 46 36
