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.

09 Mar 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 feature 4 figures of people, with one showing a heart inside the head.

09 Mar 2026

Mental Health First Aid: Two Days (Welsh-Language Course)

A two-day, in-person course which aims to improve mental health awareness, and help people in the creative sectors to recognise the signs and symptoms of someone with mental health conditions. Please note, this course will be held in Welsh.

Carmarthen

Last chance to book

13 Mar 2026

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Free up your playing and singing using the Feldenkrais method, a sensory-motor learning system which looks at our mind and body holistically.

Online Member only

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

Ruth and Siân, standing in a bright indoor space holding a large poster of the front cover of the new Engaging Creative Freelancers Guide.

New Bilingual Guide Champions Fair Work for Creative Freelancers in Wales

CULT Cymru, in partnership with the Musicians’ Union, has published a bilingual best practice guide to support creative freelancers, venues and organisations in creating fairer, safer working environments across Wales’ creative sector.

Published: 04 March 2026

Empty music classroom with seats and sheet stands.

Changes to Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure Checks

From 17 February 2026, legislative changes in Northern Ireland allow self-employed musicians working with children and vulnerable adults to apply for an Enhanced AccessNI disclosure check through a registered Umbrella Body.

Published: 23 February 2026

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

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

Mental Health First Aid: Two Days (Welsh-Language Course)

Last chance to book

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Wellbeing news

New Bilingual Guide Champions Fair Work for Creative Freelancers in Wales

Changes to Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure Checks

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