A career in the performing arts industry can be thrilling and exhilarating. However, the investment required to make each and every performance appear seamless to an audience requires both physical and emotional strength. Performers are Olympians, and prioritizing their mental health is essential.
Stressors unique to the profession can take their toll on performers’ mental health. From long hours and grueling performance schedules to financial instability and emotional vulnerability, creative and performing artists face constant challenges. Survival in the industry requires a strong sense of self, and a solid support system.
Set of Stressors Unique to Performing Artists
Performers experience pressures that differ from those in traditional careers. Some of the significant mental health challenges may include:
- A Winning Performance Every Time – The pressure to deliver a consistent, high-caliber performance, is a constant source of anxiety and stress.
- Life in the Public Eye – Artists are subjected to an endless stream of opinions and reviews on social media, television, radio, and in print. It takes great strength and resilience to maintain a healthy sense of self.
- The Audition/Rejection Cycle – While working in shows, performers continue to train, and audition for the next job. Performers receive little to no feedback as to why they did not land a role. The endless audition/rejection cycle breeds insecurity and self-doubt.
- Variable Employment – The gig-based nature of a performing arts career creates ongoing job-related stress and makes it impossible for people to plan their lives. The fear of missing out on that “big break” often keeps people from taking time off to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
- Financial Uncertainty – Variable employment leads to financial stress and instability. While auditioning and/or performing, many artists are juggling day jobs. In some cases, financial instability may lead to housing and food insecurity, or one having to leave the business.
- Physical and Emotional Demands – Long rehearsals, intense physical activity, and the emotional investment required for an eight-show performance week can be debilitating.
- Touring Schedules – Performers spend a lot of time on the road, which can disrupt or destroy relationships at home.
- Lack of Work-Life Balance – Late-night rehearsals, weekend performances, and irregular schedules make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships, and practice self-care.
Establishing Boundaries to Enhance Well-being
Performers and creative artists must establish boundaries to protect their emotional and physical health:
- Prioritize Rest and Recovery – Make time for relaxation and establish a regular sleep schedule to prevent burnout.
- Say “No” – Accepting every social opportunity is not always best practice. Though performers need to “come down” after a show, it is important to manage late-night eating and drinking.
- Learn to Separate Self from Performance – Most artists find it challenging to separate their identity from their work. In a culture that defines people by their work, a performer’s self-worth may be compromised when underemployed or subjected to criticism.
- Create Healthy Support Networks – Surrounding oneself with supportive friends, family, and trusted health professionals can help provide perspective and peace of mind.
Ivy Austin, M.S., LMFT: A Trusted Resource for Mental Health Counseling in the Broadway Community.
As a professional singer, actor, writer, and long-time member of the theatre community, Ivy Austin has experienced many of these challenges first-hand. In her online psychotherapy practice, Artful Couples Therapy, Ivy offers specialized support for individuals, couples, and families affected by the industry. Ivy is able to help artists, and their loved ones navigate stress, set boundaries, and increase resilience. Whether your challenges are affecting your partnership, marriage, family, or career, Ivy’s knowledge of the business will save you a lot of time explaining. Artful Couples Therapy is a place where individuals, couples, and families affected by any aspect of the arts go to express themselves and develop strategies to maintain long-term mental health and well-being.
