Written by: Angelea Hengle
In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, HearRVA has composed a list of resources and their description for all artists and industry professionals to access. Musicians, industry professionals, and all artists alike are constantly working, inspiring, and giving their all to their community. It is important that they receive the same love and support despite the obstacles they may face.
The entertainment industry can be a domineering and competitive field. When you mix in your own insecurities and fears, it can prove to be a challenging space mentally. When COVID-19 hit the U.S in march 2020, venues were shut down left and right, tours were canceled, and artist’s livelihoods were shaken up. The most detrimental consequence of this was financial instability, which was the trigger for an increase in stress, anxiety, and depression across the industry.
In 2022, the music industry is still faced with navigating the safest way to continue through the new strains of COVID, while still dealing with the aftermath of March 2020. To face these hardships, it is important to know that you aren’t alone, what you are feeling is valid, and it is important to stay connected and find the community and resources that can assist you in your mental, physical, and financial needs.
Resources
1. Backline.Care
Backline.Care, a 501c(3) non-profit, is a resource for musicians, industry professionals, and family members of musicians to be connected with mental health and wellness resources. They offer different ways for members to seek help through case management, support groups, and educational and wellness resources.
If looking to get more involved with Backline.Care, you can join the referral network, become a partner, start your own fundraiser, and donate.
2. Recording Academy MusiCares
MusiCares, a 501c(3) charity, was founded by the Recording Academy for the purpose of providing care for “humans behind the music because music gives so much to the world.” With their values as service, inclusivity, empowerment, and integrity, there are different services that are available for every need. Their services are divided into 3 categories: mental health and addiction recovery services, health services, human services.
3. Sweet Relief Musicians Fund:
Sweet Relief Musicians Fund is a resource for career musicians, road crew and anyone who makes the majority of their income in the music business needing financial assistance while also facing mental health issues, disability, or age-related problems. Their programs include funds for medical and personal welfare for general musicians and an outreach and resources development program.
There is no doubt that the entertainment industry faced the devastating effects of COVID-19. Sweet Relief Musicians Fund also offers relief for those affected by the pandemic. If seeking medical and financial relief from COVID, musicians can submit an application to obtain funds on their website.
Anyone seeking help is given the chance to request general assistance, Covid-19 assistance, and their website provides additional resources if needed.
Educational Resources
1. Silence the Shame
Silence the Shame is a “nonprofit organization that focuses on education and awareness around mental health.” This organization offers many programs to meet all needs. These include crisis response training, community conversations, wellness training, digital content, and outreach events. There are additional events and programs on the website, too.
These past two years have shown the importance of community and bringing light to subjects that are hard to face, like struggling with mental health. The more this conversation is normalized, the more people that are struggling can be reached. Everyone deserves a chance to seek help and security no matter who they are.
Blog Author - Angelea Hengle: Hey y'all! I'm Angelea and am super excited to be a part of this great team! I'm a recent graduate from DePaul University in Chicago, IL, and am so happy to call Richmond home again. I received my Bachelor of Science in General Management with also a double minor in Psychology and Music Business. In college, I was President of DePaul Dance Company and Co-Event Coordinator for DePaul Music Business Organization. Creativity and artistry have always been a part of who I am and I am so grateful to be in this amazing community.