Struggling to manage emotions

You’re not alone. 

Working in music can be incredible – but it can also be intense. 

Stress, burnout, anxiety and depression are unfortunately common across the industry. 

Whether you’re a tour manager, a music teacher, a performer or behind the scenes, emotional struggles can affect anyone. And they can feel confusing and overwhelming. 

But support is available. Music Minds Matter is here to help.

We understand what it means to struggle with emotions. 

Emotions are complex – especially when they’re tied to your work, your identity, and your passion. You might feel overwhelmed, numb, irritable, or just not like yourself. 

Understanding your emotions can be the first step toward feeling better. It helps you name what’s going on, spot your triggers, and take action.

Take a moment to check in with yourself.

You don’t have to have all the answers. But talking to someone can make a real difference. 

Here are a few things that can help: 

• Talk it through – with a friend, colleague or professional 
• Write it down – journalling can help you process what you’re feeling 
• Breathe – grounding techniques and breathwork can calm your nervous system 
• Connect – you’re not alone, and you don’t have to go through it alone 

Struggling to find the words? 

It’s not always easy to explain how you’re feeling. That’s OK. 

We’ve put together some conversation guides to help you talk about your emotions – whether it’s with a friend, a GP, or someone at Music Minds Matter.

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.

Mental health support in music:

• 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.

General mental health support:

• 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)