Musicians and Mental Health: How to Prioritize Well-Being in Your Career

Over the years, mental health has become a widely discussed topic. What was once considered somewhat of a taboo is now significantly more openly talked about. This shift has been driven by greater awareness, increased advocacy, and the influence of public figures who have spoken openly about their struggles. Social media has also played a role, allowing people to share experiences, break stigmas, and access mental health resources more easily.

The topic of mental health is especially relevant in the creative community, where art is often engaged with to process emotions and navigate personal struggles. For artists, creativity can be deeply therapeutic, serving as an outlet for their emotions. But it can also become a source of pressure, leading to stress, anxiety, and other challenges, even more so when their art is directly tied to their career.

Studies confirm that mental health is a widespread struggle among musicians. For instance, a 2019 study by Record Union found that 73% of independent artists struggle with mental illness. And, among those between 18–25, a total of 80% reported they experience mental health-related challenges.

That said, such struggles are not only experienced by indie artists trying to climb the ladder of success in the music industry. A recent Billboard article highlights how many famous musicians across all kinds of genres experience mental health-related challenges (or did so in the past), and why they do so.

Career artists find themselves in a delicate position for many reasons, one of the biggest being the uncertainty that comes with a creative career. They often worry about where the next paycheck will come from, question their relevance in a highly competitive field, deal with the pressure of public scrutiny, and face setbacks that can feel highly discouraging.

Many also feel the relentless pressure to work more and create more, often doing so alone, which can quickly lead to burnout paired with feelings of social isolation. For those who tour, long stretches away from friends and family, constant travelling, messy sleep schedules, and an unpredictable routine can take an even greater toll.

Finally, it’s not uncommon for artists to fall into unhealthy lifestyle habits, many of which are glorified. The public perception of artists is rooted in the idea of someone who is ‘living the dream,’ free from strict routines and everyday responsibilities, constantly in the spotlight, and always somewhere between creating and partying.

Going down the path of excitement and intensity may work for a while. But in the long run, a career in music demands both physical and mental well-being, along with some level of organization. However, because the job itself is exhausting, unpredictable, and full of expectations, many artists end up seeking an escape from the stress and ultimately find it in alcohol or other substances.

This isn’t limited to artists in just one or two genres—think of the all-too-familiar motto sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll, the tragic story of Amy Winehouse, or the many drug-related deaths in hip-hop.

But why is this the case? It depends. Frequent consumption is often rooted in other, underlying issues, such as loneliness, isolation, low self-esteem, or trauma. For instance, one study found that substance users reported stronger feelings of loneliness than those who felt connected across diverse social dimensions. Thus, career challenges are usually not the main or only factor leading to addiction. It is rather preexisting factors that can become further amplified under the wrong circumstances.

That said, career factors can very much play a role in frequent drug use. For instance, some artists end up using substances to cope with the pressure, to push through long hours, stay focused, or simply keep going. One such example are touring artists who are constantly on the move, perform late into the night, and don’t get the chance to get enough rest, ultimately turning to artificial boosts just to keep going.

For others, substances can be a way to decompress from stress and the pressure of constantly being in the public eye. In these cases, alcohol and drugs may feel like an escape from reality, especially those that have a calming effect and slow down the mind. Addiction-related issues can also arise simply from being in an environment where substance use is common. In other words, when drugs and alcohol are constantly around and easily accessible, they can become more tempting and even normalized.

On a broader level, there’s also a cultural narrative at play, one that, as the Musician’s Union points out, “idolizes the idea of the tortured genius.” Because of this, many artists who already struggle may end up overidentifying with negative emotions, seeing them as an essential part of their music and artistic identity. This can lead to fears like, "If things get better, will my art still be as impactful, consistent, and authentic? Will people still connect with me and my music? Or will they lose interest? And, what if I lose my creativity?"