Music and Mental Health: How Artists Navigate Their Well-Being

When we think of musicians, we imagine creativity flowing effortlessly—writing lyrics, performing on stage, pouring raw emotion into songs that leave us deeply moved. But for artists, the reality can be very different. Behind the scenes, music and mental health are often deeply intertwined. For many musicians, balancing artistic passion and mental well-being can be a serious challenge. Let’s look at why mental health is such a critical issue in the music industry and how artists manage their well-being while staying creative.

The Connection Between Music and Mental Health

We all know that music can stir emotions. But the people who create that music are often more vulnerable to emotional highs and lows than the average person. Musicians spend hours alone, pouring out their thoughts, sometimes reliving personal experiences, or just getting lost in their minds as they create. Many artists say that the process of songwriting can feel like therapy, helping them confront and express deep-seated feelings. But this same introspection can sometimes bring up challenging emotions.

On top of that, the music industry itself can be a pressure cooker. Long hours, touring, performance anxiety, financial insecurity, and the constant push for success can take a toll. One study by Help Musicians UK found that musicians are three times more likely to experience anxiety and depression than the general public. Add social media pressure and constant public scrutiny into the mix, and it’s no wonder mental health is a huge issue in the music world.

How Artists Use Music as Therapy

Many musicians find that making music is one of the best ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and even trauma. Take writing, for example. For countless artists, lyrics are a way of speaking their truth—getting what’s in their mind out into the world. Songs can turn grief, heartbreak, anger, or joy into something tangible, allowing an artist to understand and process their feelings.

Some artists go a step further and talk openly about mental health in their songs. Take a look at Billie Eilish, Logic, or Kid Cudi; their music isn’t just catchy, it’s honest and raw. When Logic released the song “1-800-273-8255,” named after the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, he helped open up conversations about mental health and gave listeners an anthem of hope.

Fans resonate with this honesty. Hearing an artist lay out their struggles can make them feel less alone in their own battles, creating a connection between artist and audience that goes beyond the music.

The Dark Side: When Music Becomes a Trigger

While music can be therapeutic, it can also backfire. Imagine pouring all your energy into writing songs about heartbreak or personal struggles. For some artists, reliving these intense feelings can become draining or even painful. It’s like opening a wound every time they sing or write about a tough experience.

And then there’s the performance side. Artists are often expected to perform songs they wrote during dark times, night after night, in front of thousands of people. This can turn music into a kind of trigger, forcing them to revisit trauma over and over again. Some musicians handle this by taking breaks from performing certain songs or by finding ways to reframe the lyrics in their mind.

How Artists Manage Mental Health in the Industry

So, with the emotional ups and downs of creative life, how do artists take care of their mental health? Here are some ways musicians are managing their well-being in an industry that’s not exactly known for work-life balance.

1. Therapy (And Not Just Songwriting)

Therapy has become increasingly common among musicians. Whether it’s traditional talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or something more creative like art or music therapy, having a professional to talk to can help musicians navigate complex emotions. Therapy offers a safe space to process feelings without the pressure of turning them into a song or sharing them with the world.

2. Setting Boundaries on Social Media

Social media can be a double-edged sword for artists. It’s a way to connect with fans, but it can also be overwhelming, especially with trolls or the expectation to be “on” all the time. Many musicians now set limits for themselves. They might only check social media once a day, use apps to block notifications, or have someone else manage their accounts entirely.

Demi Lovato, for example, has spoken about taking social media breaks to prioritize mental health. These boundaries help artists keep their personal lives private and limit their exposure to online negativity.

3. Maintaining a Support System

Friends, family, and other musicians can be a lifeline. Having a circle of people who understand the pressures of the industry, who they can turn to for advice or just a mental health check-in, is invaluable. Some artists even join mental health-focused groups or online communities where they can be open about their struggles without judgment.

4. Establishing a Routine (Or Trying To)

Tour life is famously chaotic—late nights, early flights, new cities every day. Maintaining a healthy routine can be difficult, but many artists find ways to prioritize sleep, exercise, and downtime. Taking a moment to unwind, whether it’s meditating, journaling, or just chilling out with a book, can make a huge difference.

Lizzo, for instance, has talked openly about her meditation practice and how it helps her find calm amid the chaos. Some musicians use apps like Calm or Headspace to guide them through meditation, which can be a great tool for grounding and stress relief.

5. Knowing When to Take a Break

Perhaps the most crucial part of managing mental health as an artist is knowing when to take a break. Several high-profile artists, like Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes, have taken time away from touring or the industry to focus on mental well-being. While it can be hard to step back from a career as demanding as music, many musicians find that prioritizing mental health ultimately allows them to come back stronger.

How the Industry is Changing

The good news? The music industry is (slowly) catching up to the importance of mental health. More labels and managers are taking steps to support artists by encouraging breaks, covering therapy costs, or hiring mental health professionals to work directly with musicians.

There are also more mental health initiatives aimed specifically at musicians. Organizations like MusiCares and Help Musicians offer resources, from financial assistance for therapy to mental health helplines. This shift is helping remove the stigma around mental health issues in music, encouraging artists to seek support and prioritize their well-being.

Why Mental Health Matters in Music

For musicians, mental health isn’t just a personal matter—it’s crucial for creativity. When artists are mentally healthy, they can create better, connect with their audiences more authentically, and enjoy longer, more sustainable careers. Music is one of the most powerful tools for bringing people together, but that connection only happens when artists can safely share their stories and experiences.

So, next time you’re streaming your favorite song, remember that behind every beat and lyric is a person with a unique story—and, just like all of us, they’re trying to take care of their mental health while doing what they love.

Music can be a lifeline, for both the artist and the listener. And as we continue to embrace the conversation around mental health in the music world, we’re all taking steps toward a future where artists don’t have to choose between their passion and their well-being.