skip to main content

Let’s Talk About Mental Health

Approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. In this blog we round up articles from popular musicians from Adele to Stormzy, discussing their experiences with mental health.

Published: 22 May 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Photograph of a microphone, with a brightly coloured and busy but blurred background.
No matter what you’re going through – you’re not going through it alone. Photo caption: Shutterstock

In our second blog for Mental Health Awareness (MHA) week, we want to remind you that no matter what you’re going through – you’re not going through it alone. We’ve put together a round-up of articles and interviews from different popular musicians discussing their own experiences with mental health.

Please be aware that a number of these articles explicitly cover topics which may be distressing.

Getting and sharing support

We’ve published a list of resources that you can use during the Covid-19 pandemic – including helplines which offer advice and support to anyone in the music industry, and downloadable guides on staying mentally well – on our mental health support page.

For those interested in reading up on mental health issues in the music industry and beyond this MHA week, we selected some key resources and listed them in our first blog for MHA week.

Remember, If it’s an emergency, or you or someone you know is at imminent risk of harm or in acute distress, you can call 999 or go to your local A&E department.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Naomi sat on stage with Allistair Elliott (Canada) and Juho Viljanen (Finland) during the panel event.

MU General Secretary Opens FIM International Freelance Conference 2026

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl opened the FIM International Freelance Conference in Brighton, hosted by the Musicians' Union, welcoming delegates from around the world and highlighting the opportunities and challenges facing freelance musicians today.

Published: 23 October 2026

Read more about MU General Secretary Opens FIM International Freelance Conference 2026
The five panellists sat on stage, in purple lighting, with FIM logo behind them.

International Delegates Gather for Day One of FIM Freelance Conference

Delegates at FIM's International Freelance Conference explored collective bargaining, organising freelance musicians and tackling discrimination, sharing international perspectives on improving working conditions and building a fairer, more inclusive music industry.

Published: 23 October 2026

Read more about International Delegates Gather for Day One of FIM Freelance Conference
Person playing acoustic guitar next to a small baby who is smiling.

MU Extends Parental Grant Application Period to 12 Months

The MU Executive Committee has agreed to extend the application period for the parental grant from six months to 12 months following the birth or adoption of a child, making it easier for members to access support when they need it.

Published: 22 October 2026

Read more about MU Extends Parental Grant Application Period to 12 Months
Illustration of a yellow lightbulb with a green leaf inside representing ideas, against a turquoise grey background.

Writing for Change: How Songs Can Inspire Climate Action

Can music help tackle the climate crisis? Chris Hutchings, composer and MU Climate Emergency Action Group member, explores how songs can inspire action, build community and help people realise they're part of a much wider movement for change.

Published: 19 October 2026

Read more about Writing for Change: How Songs Can Inspire Climate Action