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

A woman sat in a park closing her eyes and gently stretching her neck to the side.

Exploring Neck Pain Through the Feldenkrais Method with Emma Alter

Originally posted on her blog, professional classical musician and Feldenkrais teacher Emma Alter discusses how our neck and spine work together. The rest of this year’s Feldenkrais sessions will follow the theme of ‘Freeing Your Neck’, and are free for MU members.

Published: 18 November 2025

Read more about Exploring Neck Pain Through the Feldenkrais Method with Emma Alter
A close-up of the BBC Scotland building in Glasgow.

BBC Radio Scotland Axes Four Longstanding Music Shows

Four of Scotland's best-known radio shows are due to be dropped by the end of the year and replaced with a new 'easy listening' programme for more mainstream appeal. Sign the petition to help reverse the decision and protect the future of music in Scotland.

Published: 17 November 2025

Read more about BBC Radio Scotland Axes Four Longstanding Music Shows
Percussion instruments in an orchestra.

Orchestra Accessibility Study Seeking Participants

Take part in a study by the University of Glasgow on the physical demands of playing in a professional orchestra, and how support can be improved for both disabled and non-disabled musicians.

Published: 13 November 2025

Read more about Orchestra Accessibility Study Seeking Participants