Stress and burnout

We get it – working in music can be intense. Stress is common, and burnout can creep in before you even realise it. 

Stress shows up in different ways and can affect your health, your work, and your relationships. 

Not sure if you’re stressed or burning out? Here are some signs to look out for: 

• Trouble sleeping 
• Irritability 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Headaches, fatigue or muscle tension 
• Feeling emotionally drained and unable to enjoy your work 
• Frequent illnesses related to stress 

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone – and you don’t have to push through it alone either. Music Minds Matter is here to help. 

Stress and burnout are common in music – but you don’t have to face them alone. 

Talking can help. Our free, 24/7 confidential helpline is here for anyone working in music. 0808 802 8008 

If you need someone to speak to but don’t want to talk on the phone, our text service is also available 24/7.

It’s easy to use, fast, and private — just text ​‘MUSIC’ to 85258, and a trained volunteer will be on hand to support you.

Tonic Music is a registered charity establishing good mental health within music communities, by providing tailored mental health support to anyone working in music, regardless of role, genre and income. Services on the programme consist of therapy sessions, peer groups, skills workshops and training courses, facilitated by qualified mental health practitioners with significant experience working in music. All of these services are accessible online for free at the point of access.

Click here to register

Web: www​.ton​icmusic​.co​.uk
Email: teamtonic@​tonicmusic.​co.​uk

If you are in immediate danger or thinking of harming yourself, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. If you need urgent mental health support, you can contact Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7) or NHS 111.

• British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) provides specialised health services for those working in the performing arts. Find out more.
• Music Support is a registered charity that helps peers who work in the UK Music industry experiencing substance use, addiction and mental health challenges. They offer a helpline 0800 030 6789 (Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm except for bank holidays) and a range of other support services.

• Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393 (9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday except bank holidays)
• Mind Support line: 0300 102 1234 (9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday except bank holidays)
• CALM: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm – midnight, 365 days a year)