In a recent article by NME, musicians and crew are experiencing a surge in depression and anxiety brought on by the challenges related to the coronavirus pandemic. Keep reading to find out more about depression and anxiety, how it relates to the coronavirus, and what you can do about it.
Depression and Anxiety in Musicians and Crew: Coronavirus
It is no secret that many industries have taken a huge hit from the coronavirus pandemic and, possibly affected the most, is the live events industry. Going to a concert, listening to a band perform while at a bar or restaurant, or just gathering with good friends for a jam session are all things that used to take place without a second thought. However, these days, it can be months, or possibly years, until it is safe to do so again.
Many individuals find that going to see a live performance as a great way to spend their time, a hobby, have a social circle surrounding it, and not being able to see live performances have left a void. However, nobody is feeling it more than the actual musicians and crew themselves. Musicians and crews are reeling from being unable to do what they love the most: perform. This can cause depression and anxiety in musicians and crew for many reasons:
- Loss of preferred creative outlet. People find stress relief in different ways, and one way to relieve stress for many individuals is to perform live music. Not being able to have this outlet can cause people to feel anxious and uneasy during an already unsettling time.
- Loss of identity. For many individuals, music is more than just a profession. It is part of their identity and who they are as a person. Not being able to play music can be extremely damaging to these individuals because not only has their career vanished, their way of life has vanished as well.
- Uncertainty for the future. When will it be safe to go to a live concert or, moreover, when will audiences feel safe to return to one once they’re allowed again? This uncertainty for the future can cause musicians and crews high levels of anxiety and depression.
- Unhappy in temporary employment. Since they are unable to perform live music or work for live events, musicians and crew may have to find another form of temporary employment that they do not enjoy, which causes depression and anxiety.
- Increased use of substances. Depression and anxiety paired with the inability to fulfill one’s purpose can quickly lead to increased use of substances and, eventually, a possible deadly overdose.
How Musicians Can Handle Depression and Anxiety with Coronavirus
While the world works to come to terms with what the coronavirus pandemic has presented to them and find ways to move forward, this doesn’t mean that it doesn’t come without their challenges — such as depression and anxiety. If you are a musician or part of a live events crew, here are some ways to handle depression and anxiety through this challenging time:
- Find ways to keep the music going. Even though you’re not able to perform in front of a live audience right now, you can still keep the music going by having Zoom concerts, hopping on a Live stream on social media, and taking this time to write new songs.
- Expand your bubble. If your situation allows, consider expanding your social bubble to others who you can play music with. For many people, having simple jam sessions with others or performing in the garage with their band can be a huge stress-relief and a way to temporarily work that music muscle.
- Find a new way to practice self-care. While strumming on your guitar or rocking on your drum set used to be your main form of self-care, take this time to explore other activities that you can find enjoyment in.
- Find help. If going through the coronavirus pandemic without music is leaving you extremely depressed and anxious and you need help managing it, reach out. We are here to help you through your depression and anxiety before it spirals into something irreversible.
About Seasons in Malibu
Depression and anxiety can quickly lead to substance abuse, overdose, and death. If you are struggling with depression and anxiety from not being able to perform, see, or be part of the live music scene, please get help as quickly as possible before it is too late.
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Individuals who complete our mental health treatment program are overwhelmingly happy with the results of the care they receive here. More than ninety-five percent of them say they would refer a loved one or family member seeking mental health treatment to us. We believe the fact that clients overwhelmingly recommend us is proof of the quality of treatment and compassion new clients can expect when coming to The Beach Cottage at Seasons in Malibu one of best rehabs in California.
With our superior team of clinicians, we are able to succinctly pinpoint those areas of focus that will give the client the most advanced opportunity for success. Our approach towards healing is collaborative, comprehensive, and committed. Learn about alcohol abuse treatment centers.
