Why do musicians have poor mental health?

The survey concluded that 73\% of independent musicians struggle with mental illness. This figure climbed to 80\% when researchers focused solely on the 18-25 age group. Money worries have been highlighted as one of the major causes of musicians’ mental distress, coupled with the unpredictable nature of their work.

Are artists more prone to mental illness?

Studies of artists and writers collated in Scientific American confirm that artists and writers are up to 20 times more likely to suffer from bipolar disorder (also called manic depressive illness) and 10 times more likely to suffer from depression.

How does musicians affect mental health?

Throughout history, artists have been plagued with mental health issues. One study shows that about 73 percent of musicians report symptoms of mental illness. And among those with mental illness, 50 percent will battle addiction over the course of their lives.

Why do music artists suffer from depression?

Anti-social working hours, touring schedules and an ‘always on’ mentality driven by oversupply of music and lack of boundaries also lead to musicians struggling to know when to stop working, resulting in isolation and a lack of meaningful relationships.

Why do so many artists suffer from depression?

Rather, the high-pressure and hectic lifestyles of many artists may lead to depressive symptoms, as tight deadlines, high expectations, fierce criticism, and intense travel are common for such individuals.

How many artists have mental health issues?

According to a 2019 study published by Swedish digital-distribution platform Record Union, the numbers are even starker: It found that 73 percent of independent musicians have battled stress, anxiety, and depression.

Why do artists tend to be crazy?

Studies have shown that artists process and have levels of dopamine similar to those of schizophrenics. According to scientists, having more dopamine receptors that go straight to the thalamus, may result in the bizarre yet positive trait of schizophrenia- seeing things in a new way.

Why do artists have mental illnesses?

People who have worked in the arts throughout history have dealt with poverty, persecution, social alienation, psychological trauma, substance abuse, high stress and other such environmental factors which are associated with developing and perhaps causing mental illness.

Why do so many artists struggle with mental health?

There may even be neurological reasons why so many artists struggle with mental health. “Centers in the limbic system that control negative emotion tend to be more heavily [located] in the right side of the brain,” says Newman.

How has Depression affected the music industry?

Many prominent artists have suffered depression and died as a result. Nick Drake in 1974 died from an overdose of prescribed anti-depressants at 26. In 2003, the singer-songwriter Elliott Smith was found dead with what were thought to be self-inflicted stab wounds to the chest after years of depression and addiction.

Are artists more prone to depression?

Health.com recently published a top 10 of professions with the highest rate of depression– one chart most artists wouldn’t want to be on. However, people working in the arts are fifth most likely to suffer from depression, with around 9\% of them reporting a major depressive episode in the previous year.

Is being a musician bad for your mental health?

It appears carving out a career as a musician isn’t just perilous when it comes to earning a living – it can also cause damage to your physical and mental health. Musicians supplementing their income by waiting tables would rate even higher on the chart, as food service staff are second most prone to depression.