How can musicians find support for mental health issues?

Several organisations provide mental health support for musicians. Free helplines are available from Music Minds Matter and Music Support, plus online guides. The MU offers a list of recommended mental health resources for musicians.

How many musicians have mental health issues?

According to a 2019 study by Record Union, 73% of independent professional musicians experience mental illness. In 2016, Help Musicians surveyed over 2,000 musicians and found that over two thirds of respondents had experienced depression.

Are mental health issues more common in musicians?

Musicians face various challenges that may trigger mental health issues. These include irregular working hours, stage fright or even sexual harassment. 80% of musicians aged 18-25 struggle with mental illness, according to a study by Record Union.

How many musicians struggle with mental health?

In 2019, Swedish distribution platform Record Union surveyed 1,500 musicians on mental health. Results found that 73% struggle with mental illness, with depression and anxiety the most prevalent conditions. Many also experienced panic attacks.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Advice to help musicians to look after their mental health and wellbeing. We work with specialist organisations that provide professional help on mental health.

Health and wellbeing resources for members

Specialist help

Healthcare Services

We work with our partner organisations, collectively aiming to ensure that performers receive expert medical assessments, advice and support.

Practice and Training

Support your body and mind with our regular wellbeing events and yoga online course tailored to musicians.

A Guide to Wellbeing

From mental health to having a healthy lifestyle - read our guidance to take care of your state of mind and body.

Guidance and resources

Mental Health Support

Resources for musicians on keeping mentally well.

Domestic Abuse Support

Useful contacts, resources and advice for supporting victims of domestic abuse.

Mental Health & Discrimination

How ill mental health is covered by the Equality Act 2010.

Protect your mental and physical health and wellbeing as a musician

Being a musician puts your body, your mind and your resilience under a lot of pressure. That’s why the Musicians’ Union works hard to support musicians’ physical and mental health and wellbeing. Watch the video to learn how.

2:56 Protect your mental and physical health and wellbeing as a musician

MU Partners

Organisations we support and partner with to help musicians with their mental health and wellbeing

BAPAM

Help Musicians

Music Support

Music Minds Matter

RSM

Health & wellbeing events

Last chance to book

Stacked rocks on the shore against a clear blue sky.

23 Feb 2026

Guided Meditation

An extremely efficient and powerful meditation practice, based on Ascension meditation techniques that are tailored to help musicians both in their professional and personal lives.

Online Member only

Last chance to book

A row of miniature wooden blocks on a table. They show the outline of three people, one is an image of a head with a heart in the brain area to represent good mental health.

23 Feb 2026

Managing Stress and Burnout in the Music Industry

Join the MU and BAPAM for a one-hour online session with Dramatherapist Heather Turkington, exploring stress and burnout, their signs and causes, practical coping strategies, and when and where to seek support, free for MU members in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Online

Last chance to book

Group of men and women sat around a table talking with laptops. One person is in a wheelchair, and another is pregnant.

25 Feb 2026

CULT Cymru: Accessibility in the Creative Industries

A free one-hour webinar for members in Wales exploring accessibility in the creative industries, exploring the challenges faced by creatives, practical ways to foster inclusion, and how accessible practices can unlock creativity for all.

Online

See all events

I'm much more aware of my rib cage and the extent of my held breath. As a brass player, that feels significant!
PeteMusician

Feldenkrais method is fascinating, science-based and totally relevant to issues faced by professional musicians.
JonathanMusician

My neck feels free. I feel more grounded and have a posture that is more free and open.
TaraMusician, about Feldenkrais

Following on from the very stressful lockdown period, I continue to find these [meditation] sessions extremely useful.
MartinMusician

Shukri is a lovely down to earth teacher and I look forward to Monday’s meditation sessions immensely.
Zoe Musician

Wellbeing news

Latest on health, safety and wellbeing affecting musicians

Close up of an acoustic guitar in a meadow at sunset.

LGBT+ History Month 2026: Navigating Top Surgery as a Freelance Trans Musician

To mark LGBT+ History Month 2026, folk musician, activist and MU member Maddie Morris reflects on getting top surgery while freelancing — from fundraising and touring to recovery, music-making, and mental health.

Published: 05 February 2026

Young women playing keyboard in front of a mic and pop shield in a home studio. Behind her is a young man playing acoustic guitar.

MU Calls on MSPs to Back Musicians' Manifesto for Scotland Ahead of May Elections

Add your voice to the call for concrete commitments on musicians’ rights, music education and the future of Scottish music.

Published: 02 February 2026

MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, and activists and musicians Maddie Morris, Stu and Keith Xander at the 2025 panel event.

Liverpool Sound City to Implement Access Riders Following MU-Led Accessibility Panel

Liverpool Sound City has announced it will introduce Access Riders for all artists and speakers at its 2026 festival, following an MU-led disability access panel and ongoing collaboration with the Union.

Published: 27 January 2026

Back of a women playing acoustic guitar on an outdoor stage.

MU Responds to New Report on Women’s Experiences of Sexual Violence and Harassment in Scottish Folk Music

A new report has been published by researchers at the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research at the University of Glasgow, representing the largest evidence base on harassment within Scottish Folk Music.

Published: 22 January 2026

A young woman sitting on a bench outside and wearing headphones. She is listening to music and smiling in a relaxed way.

Free BAPAM Health Clinics for Musicians in Birmingham and Leicester

BAPAM is running free health clinics in Leicester and Birmingham for performing arts professionals, teachers and students who have an injury or illness that is impacting their ability to work or study.

Published: 16 January 2026

See all latest news

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Mental Health and Wellbeing

Health and wellbeing resources for members

Healthcare Services

Practice and Training

A Guide to Wellbeing

Guidance and resources

Mental Health Support

Domestic Abuse Support

Mental Health & Discrimination

Protect your mental and physical health and wellbeing as a musician

MU Partners

BAPAM

Help Musicians

Music Support

Music Minds Matter

RSM

Health & wellbeing events

Last chance to book

Guided Meditation

Last chance to book

Managing Stress and Burnout in the Music Industry

Last chance to book

CULT Cymru: Accessibility in the Creative Industries

Wellbeing news

LGBT+ History Month 2026: Navigating Top Surgery as a Freelance Trans Musician

MU Calls on MSPs to Back Musicians' Manifesto for Scotland Ahead of May Elections

Liverpool Sound City to Implement Access Riders Following MU-Led Accessibility Panel

MU Responds to New Report on Women’s Experiences of Sexual Violence and Harassment in Scottish Folk Music

Free BAPAM Health Clinics for Musicians in Birmingham and Leicester