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Now is the time to improve mental health support in the creative industries | #PurposeMonth

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The creative industries are very much known for their high-pressure environments. It’s something you thrive on as a creative, yet we all have our limits.

Creative work is often solitary in nature, however the pandemic has seen job losses, cancellations and financial insecurity and with that, a stark increase in stress, burnout and anxiety among professionals.

Now more than ever, it is essential to recognise the importance of mental health support in the creative industries; prioritising mental health support can help individuals to cope better with the challenges they face, as well as encourage a healthy and productive work environment.

So how can we promote a more sustainable and flourishing creative sector?

Mental health education and support isn’t just “nice to have”

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In recent years, various studies have revealed the unique pressures associated with the creative industries, and how this is taking a toll on the mental health of professionals working in this sector.

Notably, research by wellbeing charity Inspire and Ulster University reported that people working in the creative industries are three times more likely to struggle with mental health problems than the general public.

Creative professionals often work in highly competitive and unpredictable fields. You love what you do, yet the flip side of this pressure to constantly produce innovative work and meet demanding deadlines can lead to stress, burnout, anxiety, or depression.

Additionally, the freelance nature of many creative jobs can exacerbate these issues, particularly when professionals are responsible for their own business development and financial stability.

Although there are many rewards of working in the creative industries, the mental health challenges associated with these fields are profound, and the vital attention and support needed to ensure that professionals working in this sector are thriving mentally and emotionally is no longer a “nice to have” - it is essential.

The rise of Wellbeing Facilitators

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In light of the growing need for mental health support, many workplaces have begun investing in workplace wellbeing provisions, from mental health training, to wellbeing facilitation advocating self-care practices, and mental health first aid. We have come a long way; yet there’s still a long way to go.

The Film & TV Charity’s Looking Glass survey highlights that only 11% of respondents in the sector describe the industry as a mentally healthy place to work. In light of this timely research, the team at 6ft From The Spotlight, known as The Home of Mentally Healthy Productions, are working hard to mitigate the risk of mental health issues on film sets; their ambition is to ensure the provision of Wellbeing Facilitators on every film set.

Co-Director, Leo Anna Thomas, expands on the need for this service and the positive impact it is already having on film sets: “The role of Wellbeing Facilitator is a production priority in helping meet the legal duty of care, working in partnership to create psychologically safe environments, end bullying and harassment issues, and provide guidance in assisting to reshape the working culture in Film and TV.

"The role is present on the floor, boots on the ground, as a neutral third party to support, empower, and guide crew and cast with any mental health concerns they may have; assisting and de-escalating in the moment and able to safely signpost. With the support of thirty plus (and counting) productions, we continue to exhibit the need and importance for this role to continue in a post-Covid world.”

The yo-yo effect

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Doing something you love and are passionate about is the dream, the ideal. Yet, challenges associated within the creative industries can have the opposite effect. You wouldn’t choose to do anything else, yet the unique pressures of working in the sector can regularly feel overwhelming, and it’s important to recognise how this can manifest.

CEO of UK Council for Psychotherapy, Sarah Niblock, explores this further: “Creative practice isn’t seen as a job in the traditional sense, more as a calling, bound up with our identities – it defines us, it ‘is’ us… No-one wants to look like they’re not up to the job and will put themselves under ridiculous pressure to mask their emotions. It’s one of the many things that make it hard to talk about mental health in the creative professions.”

When it comes to leaders prioritising the wellbeing of their employees and contractors in this sector, as individuals, employers or commissioners, we each need to be mindful of our habits, behaviours and the pressure we put on ourselves, as well as each other. It’s about sharing ideas, best practice and support mechanisms to ensure we preserve and foster empowered workforces.

Leaders in this sector must recognise the value and importance of providing both psychologically safe, supportive spaces for people to open up if they choose, as well as effective resources for preventing burnout and nurturing mental wellness. Providing this blended approach of support for creative professionals to ensure their wellbeing and the sustainability of their careers is a crucial component of a happy workforce.

It can help individuals to navigate and manage daily challenges, build resilience, and can foster a culture of openness and ease in relation to talking about mental wellbeing, further helping individuals to feel comfortable to seek help when needed.

Five steps for better mental health support for creative professionals

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Mental health support can take many forms, such as therapy, counselling, peer support groups, and workplace wellness programmes. Studies have shown that investing in mental health support for professionals can ultimately lead to improved work outcomes, higher job satisfaction, and in the case of the creative sector, a more sustainable and equitable industry.

So how can we empower our creative workforces to prioritse mental health?

  1. Invest in training for your teams: mental health is a complex topic and a relatively new concept to understand. It isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, and research has shown that leaders who invest in high quality workplace wellbeing programmes generate a signifiant return on investment, through reduced sickness absence, enhanced wellbeing and improved productivity.
     
  2. Normalise the conversation around mental wellbeing: talk openly with your colleagues and contractors about different perspectives of mental health, including mental wellness and what helps you to look after your mental health; in the same way you’d look after your physical health. By normalising mental health and the importance of support when needed, professionals will be more likely to address any mental health concerns early on.
     
  3. Foster a supportive and inclusive workplace culture: Encourage open communication and create a safe, non-judgmental space for employees and contractors to discuss their mental health concerns. Promote mental health literacy and provide resources such as counselling services, peer support groups, and mental health days.
     
  4. Encourage breaks and self-care: Creative work can often feel intense and mentally draining, so it's essential to encourage regular breaks and self-care activities. Studies have shown that taking regular breaks enables professionals to come back to their work with higher levels of productivity, reduced fatigue and improved wellbeing.
     
  5. Promote access to mental health resources: Focus on what your employees or contractors can do, what’s in their control, and effectively signpost them to mental wellbeing support. From mental health charities, to wellbeing apps, therapeutic services or support lines, wider awareness and access to mental health resources can prevent mental health issues from escalating.

By Tania Diggory, international Burnout Prevention speaker and Founder and Director of Calmer, an award-winning training organisation that empowers entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business teams to nurture good mental health and wellbeing.

Images by Steven Van Hasten

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