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.

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

Health & wellbeing events

Last chance to book

Stacked rocks on the shore against a clear blue sky.

05 May 2025

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 pink whistle on a purple background, representing 'calling out' bullying and harassment.

07 May 2025

Practical Strategies to Tackle Bullying and Harrassment

A two-hour webinar which covers what bullying and harassment looks like in the creative sector and its impact, the law, and how to identify common examples to ensure participants understand the full scope of these terms.

Online

Last chance to book

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08 May 2025

Vocal Health Workshop, Belfast

This one-hour, in-person session focuses on evidence-based practical skills, and draws from performance experience, research findings, psychology, and proven vocal health clinical pathways.

Belfast

See all events

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

Wellbeing news

Latest on health, safety and wellbeing affecting musicians

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Motion on Challenging the Rise of the Far Right Passes at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

A composite motion from the MU and fellow unions on anti-racism campaigning and challenging the rise of the far right was passed unanimously at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference 2025.

Published: 24 April 2025

Exterior of the Middlesex Guildhall in London, location of the UK Supreme Court.

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

The Court has ruled that 'woman' in the Equality Act refers to biological women, excluding trans women with gender recognition certificates. The MU is urgently seeking information on what this means for trans members, and encourages anyone facing discrimination to contact their regional office.

Published: 17 April 2025

Four young musicians in a band, performing on stage.

MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025

Back for its fourth year, the Musicians’ Mental Month campaign runs throughout April and features collaborative advice, coaching and workshops from the MU, YCAT, Tonic Rider and BAPAM. This year’s theme will focus on coping strategies.

Published: 01 April 2025

Xenia, Hayley, Fiona and Joy together at Conference.

Two MU Motions on AI and Parenting Passed at TUC Women’s Conference 2025

Four MU delegates attended this year’s TUC Women’s Conference, where Union motions on the responsible use of AI, and better pay in relation to pregnancy and parenting were both passed.

Published: 27 March 2025

Three wooden jointed figures in various moves representing posture.

Feldenkrais for Musicians: “You Will Learn the Difference Between Your Sacrum and Your Scapula!”

The Feldenkrais Method, which is grounded in science, can enhance movement efficiency in performance. In this blog, string player and MU member Jonathan Evans-Jones shares his experience of Feldenkrais sessions, run by Emma Alter for the MU, and explains why he’s attended them for five years now.

Published: 25 March 2025

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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

Health & wellbeing events

Last chance to book

Guided Meditation

Last chance to book

Practical Strategies to Tackle Bullying and Harrassment

Last chance to book

Vocal Health Workshop, Belfast

MU Partners

BAPAM

Help Musicians

Music Support

Music Minds Matter

RSM

Wellbeing news

Motion on Challenging the Rise of the Far Right Passes at TUC Black Workers’ Conference

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025

Two MU Motions on AI and Parenting Passed at TUC Women’s Conference 2025

Feldenkrais for Musicians: “You Will Learn the Difference Between Your Sacrum and Your Scapula!”