Evenatthe best of times,maintaining good mental healthwhile sustaining a careerin the artspresentsuniquechallenges. The current pandemicdisrupts our communities, creative practicesand ability to earn a living,andbringssignificant additionalpsychologicalpressures.
Supporting and improving mental healththroughout the performing arts is a cornerstone ofBAPAM’smission. We do this through clinical services, training, resource development, and by workinginpartnershipwithsome of the most forward thinkingorganisationsin the creative industries.
To markMental Health AwarenessWeek 2020,we’re sharing information onthe breadth of support available for performing artists across the industry.
There areresources for thosein ofneed immediate help,as well as ongoing support and advice.
This isa time to think about investing in our current and future mental health, andwe hope thatstrategies we learn now willequip us for sustaining healthand creativitygoing forward.
Immediate Help
The charity MIND setsout guidance oncrisis servicesthat are available, with extensive advice onhow to deal with an emergency.
Industry-specific supportavailable for thosein crisisincludes:
–0808 802 8008–24/7helpline created bydedicated to those in the music industrywho may bestruggling to cope.
–0800 915 4617–Support for people working in the theatre industry, covering an extensive number of topics including mental health and wellbeing.
– Members of the ISM, the UK’s professional body for musicians, have access to a free 24-hour personal support and advice helpline staffed by professionally qualified counsellors. They provide confidential support and advice on everything from bereavement and relationships to work-related stress and mental health. If you need further support, up to six sessions of structured counselling can be arranged, free of charge.
BAPAM Clinical Services
Our free clinics are open for telephone or online consultations. If you’d like to discuss mental health concerns related to your creative practice with a Ģtv doctor or psychologist, call our Helpline to make an appointment. BAPAMappointments are scheduled for 30 minutes to an hour, which allows usto get a good picture of the issues,so that we can work with you to create a plan to overcome problems. We can also support applications for financial assistance towards the cost of Ģtv healthcare from support organisations including Help Musicians, the Equity Charitable Trust, the Royal Society of Musicians and PRS Members’ Fund (SeeBAPAM Factsheet: Sources of Financial and Practical Support).
BAPAM Helpline:020 7404 8444
Open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
Free BAPAM Webinar Series: HealthyPractice LockdownTraining
We are running free Keeping Mentally Well webinar sessions on28 May, 12 June, and 6 July.
Sign up here:.
The sessions use evidence-based practical skillsand are designedtoempower you toimprove yourartistry andsustainhealth for the future.Our trainers have experience of working in the creative industryand have eithera clinical or performance coach background.
Our Healthy Practice Lockdown Series also includes sessions on physical and vocal health.
BAPAMWeeklyOnline Community Drop In
Knowing what you should do to keep healthy is one thing, adopting healthy practice as routine in your life is another. It can be hard to create new habits andbehaviours. Human beings are incredibly efficient and the way that we learn to do things is always to follow the path of least resistance. Our weekly Healthy Practice Community Drop in will help you set goals and stick to healthy practice routines. It will include new techniques and strategies to help you keep mentally and physically well now and into the future. Sessions will be held at 3pm on Tuesdays, beginning 2 June and continuingthrough to the end of August.
Sign up here:
BAPAM Resources
Collectedlinks toCoronavirus supportresources
Mental health resources compiled by BAPAM GP, Dr TamaraKarniCohen
Supporting Mental Health in the Performing Arts SectorGuidance
BAPAM Factsheets including Psychological Self Care and advice on managing stress and spotting the signs of a drinking problem.
ArtsMinds
ArtsMinds, the information hubcreated byEquity, Spotlight, The Stage and BAPAM, brings togetherduring the pandemic, in addition to a wealth of information about mental health support services.
Music Support – Online 12 Step Support Group and Thrive App
Music Support is a registered charity for individuals inany areaof the UK music industry suffering from mental, emotional and behavioural health disorders (including but not limited to alcohol and drug addiction). As social distancing came into place, they were quick to set up anformusic professionals who are members ofany12 step fellowship.
Music Support have also partnered with Thrive, the NHS approved mental health and wellbeing app, to offer free downloads. The Thrive app canhelp with the early detection, prevention and management of common mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, as well as building resilience so that users can feel empowered to improve their mental health.
Keeping Socially Connected
Social distancing is likely to exacerbate feelings of isolation frequently reported by creative professionals, and support networks are important to maintain.
–Musicians feeling isolated and anxious can sign up to theRoyal Society of Musicians’ Coronavirus Support Network to chat with other musicians.
– a safe space for anyone working in the entertainment industry.