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.

16 Jun 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

20 Jun 2025

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

Upcoming

23 Jun 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

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

Cupped hands holding the light of a rainbow.

 MU Reaffirms Support for Trans Musicians Amid Legal Definition Ruling

The MU stands in solidarity with our trans members following the Supreme Court ruling about the definition of sex in the Equality Act 2010.

Published: 12 June 2025

Mother holding a young baby while she's working on a laptop.

MU Supports Call for Transformation of the Parental Pay and Leave System

An alliance of trade unions and charities is calling on the Business and Trade Secretary for bold reforms to better support new mothers, parents, and families.

Published: 11 June 2025

Three adults lying on their own yoga mats practicing Feldenkrais.

Feldenkrais: “I began to Notice How Seemingly Tiny, Innocuous Movements Could Produce Significant Change”

MU member Sophia Rahman shares how the subtle changes she learned from Emma Alter’s Feldenkrais sessions turned into significant ones.

Published: 05 June 2025

Silhouette of a young woman playing guitar against a window.

MU Demands Industry and Government Take Action Against Persistent Misogyny in Music

The MU fully backs the latest Misogyny in Music report which, one year on from the original, again urges government and industry to take action— with 11 new recommendations to tackle harassment, unequal pay, bullying, and discrimination faced by women across the music sector.

Published: 04 June 2025

Young male musician, sat cross legged on the bedroom floor, playing acoustic guitar to his young baby.

Peer Support Network Launches for Music Industry Parents and Carers in the North of England

PiPA and Come Play With Me, supported by the MU, are collaborating on a pilot project to build a sustainable support network, in-person and online, for parents and carers who work in music, based in Leeds, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Published: 21 May 2025

See all latest news

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches

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

Feldenkrais: Move Better, Feel Better, Perform Better

Upcoming

Guided Meditation

MU Partners

BAPAM

Help Musicians

Music Support

Music Minds Matter

RSM

Wellbeing news

MU Reaffirms Support for Trans Musicians Amid Legal Definition Ruling

MU Supports Call for Transformation of the Parental Pay and Leave System

Feldenkrais: “I began to Notice How Seemingly Tiny, Innocuous Movements Could Produce Significant Change”

MU Demands Industry and Government Take Action Against Persistent Misogyny in Music

Peer Support Network Launches for Music Industry Parents and Carers in the North of England

 MU Reaffirms Support for Trans Musicians Amid Legal Definition Ruling