To commemorate Mental Health Awareness Day, several artists are shedding light on the early warning signs they overlooked during their careers and sharing insights on how to maintain a healthy, positive, and resilient mindset.
Today marks Mental Health Awareness Day, a topic the music industry should prioritize. Beyond the dazzling lights and adoring fans, deep-seated issues often lurk. Many shy away from discussing these problems. Some artists fear that acknowledging their struggles is akin to admitting failure. Others worry about damaging their image if the industry realizes they’re grappling with personal challenges. The most concerning, however, are those who suffer in silence, unaware of their own battles.
Mental health issues can creep in unnoticed, and if these warning signs aren’t addressed promptly, the road to recovery becomes steeper.
In light of this, we’ve spoken to three artists, each with unique experiences and coping strategies concerning their mental health challenges.
MOUGLETA
A familiar face in the music industry, Mougleta’s fusion of pop and traditional Oriental vibes has elevated her to heights she never imagined. However, success isn’t without its shadows, a fact that’s becoming increasingly recognized.
THEIR EARLY SIGNS OF MENTAL ILLNESS:
“Being an overthinker has always made me prone to stress. My anxiety escalates when I’m touring, distanced from my loved ones, or eagerly awaiting feedback on a major project. It’s even more intense if personal issues emerge. I don’t resort to alcohol or drugs, but I often turn to sweets – particularly candy. It might seem trivial, but this habit has led to significant health problems, affecting my weight and complexion. And needless to say, such short-lived comforts only compound my mental health challenges.”
WHAT THEY DO ABOUT IT:
“When stress takes hold, my initial response is to confide in someone I deeply trust. If they’re unavailable, I revisit motivational voice memos saved from my inner circle. Meditation is also my refuge, even if it’s just an hour’s break from work. Additionally, I drink ample water to distract myself from sugary cravings. My primary advice to fellow artists: Don’t bottle up your emotions. Connect with those who genuinely care about you and stay proactive.”
ROBIN SCHULZ FEAT. MOUGLETA – ROCKSTAR BABY
RUTH ROYALL
Fresh off her debut solo tour last summer, Ruth Royall captivated audiences with her dynamic and confident performances, notably at the Glastonbury Festival where she was a prominent presence at the Glade Dome.
However, initiating a journey in the industry comes with unforeseen challenges. The mounting pressures and unforeseen expectations can catch many emerging artists off guard…
THEIR INITIAL SIGNS OF MENTAL STRAIN:
“During the initial 2020 lockdown, I found myself engrossed in social media, endlessly scrolling. The world paused, live shows were on hold, and my only recourse as an artist was to pivot everything online. The digital realm often blurs the lines between reality and illusion, and I felt trapped in a curated, airbrushed reality that began affecting my mental well-being.
I heavily modified every piece of content I shared to connect with my audience. Over time, this distorted how I perceived myself, shifting my self-image in ways I didn’t immediately recognize.”
HOW THEY RESPONDED:
“To confront this, I made a conscious choice to stop using filters on my posts to reestablish my grounded sense of reality. Though initially a personal resolution, many resonated with my cause. In August 2020, we initiated an online movement titled #KeepItReal. Numerous artists and fans posted unaltered photos, inscribing #KeepItReal on themselves, celebrating authentic beauty and challenging media-propagated beauty standards.
This journey redefined beauty for me. My confidence, particularly regarding my body, surged. The music realm can be harsh regarding body image, continually placing us under scrutiny. However, this experience underscored that we can regain control and shape our self-perception.”
RUTH ROYALL – APPLETREE IS OUT VIA NEWSTATE ON 14TH OCTOBER
JAY MASON
Countless individuals dive into the music scene without a full grasp of what a ‘music career’ genuinely demands. It’s volatile, unpredictable, and often isolating. Such challenges can push many to seek refuge in familiar comforts and a need for escape, which can spiral into detrimental habits.
For some, it’s substance abuse; for others, seemingly innocuous habits that can turn malignant if unaddressed.
THEIR INITIAL SIGNS OF MENTAL STRAIN:
A shout-out to Magnetic Magazine for spotlighting Mental Health Awareness Day. In my career as a musician and songwriter, I grappled with a gaming addiction for years, intimately understanding the nuances of mental health challenges.
HOW THEY RESPONDED:
“I’d urge individuals to pinpoint what catalyzes their addictive behaviors, like alcoholism, to prevent reaching for an immediate fix instead of addressing the root cause. I’ve found the acronym HALT, representing hungry, angry, lonely, and tired, as an invaluable self-check. Feeling isolated during tours? It’s natural. Rather than drowning such emotions in vices like alcohol, consider connecting with peers for a heartfelt conversation. Discussing it can be a profound relief, and you’ll find many in the artistic domain have faced similar issues. Opening up takes bravery, but proactive self-care is paramount.”