Today is the start of Mental Health Awareness Week, with this year’s theme being Movement: Moving more for our mental health
To mark the week, we wanted to share a reminder about our upcoming mental health workshops with Help Musicians and Equity. Both are online, and free to sign up to.
15 May 1-2pm – Help Musicians Self-care – Mindful Movement – Musician, yoga teacher and advocate for performance wellbeing, Veronika Klirova will take us through some gentle movements and breathwork to help calm the mind
16 May 3-4pm Equity Psychological Support Group – Challenging Negative Thoughts & Building & Maintaining Positive Relationships – for Equity members/creative practitioners. A session of two halves – techniques to manage negative thoughts which can go unchallenged in our heads. Balanced with positive relationships – how to communicate effectively with others, discussions around being assertive and what that means.
You can sign up here: Free BAPAM Workshops
We recognise that causes of mental health problems can be complicated, and that certain groups and communities are at higher risk of suffering with poor mental health. Research indicates that approximately 75% of performing arts professionals will encounter a work-related health issue that impacts their career.
Within that already high percentage, we know that when it comes to mental health, the risk is higher for those:
- Facing social inequality and disadvantage
- Facing discrimination and social exclusion
- Going through traumatic experiences
- Who have differences in physical health
Please know that you are not alone.
You may be able to access short term therapy from a BAPAM psychotherapist, provided with Music Minds Matter for musicians, with Equity for creative practitioners and with Dance Professionals Fund for dancers. However, if you’re feeling unable to cope or having any thoughts about harming yourself, we’d strongly encourage you to seek support as soon as possible via your NHS GP. For additional avenues of urgent mental health support, please see our mental health support in a crisis resource: Mental Health Support In A Crisis