This month, MusiCares brought together the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM), the Country Music Association (CMA), Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE), and Silence the Shame for an important panel discussion about suicide prevention in the music industry.
Moderated by Shanti Das, CEO & Founder of Silence the Shame, the hour-long panel focused on the unique stressors and mental health challenges that often come with a career in music. BEAM's Yolo Akili Robinson, SAVE's Dr. Dan Reidenberg, and CMA's Kate Kaltenbach Watson joined Das in the meaningful discussion.
Below, take a look at four key takeaways from Awareness and Action: Suicide Prevention in Music.
It is important to recognize that we are human first.
Many members of the music community refrain from opening up about their mental health struggles. Reidenberg and Robinson spoke to the societal impacts of the music industry and why its culture contributes to the fear of opening up.
A musician might fear that their label, management company, or live crew will equate their mental health struggles to being a difficult artist to work with. Many fear that the reputation of "stars" in the industry must remain heroic, as if they are immune to anything like anxiety and depression. In reality, we are all human, and our mental health struggles do not take away from our ability to succeed.
Kaltenbach spoke to the fact that many of us attach our self-worth to our profession. While that is a piece of who we are, it is important to acknowledge that we are human first. The music industry is very fast-paced, and it is important that we give each other grace and allow ourselves to take breaks when juggling different stressors.
We need to expand our understanding of the diverse kinds of support available to address mental health needs and remember that suicide is preventable.
In making mental health care more accessible to others, there is also a need to expand our understanding of the resources available for a journey of healing. Robinson highlighted the importance of recognizing that everyone's journey will be individualized. Some people benefit from talk therapy, while others might benefit from emotional freedom techniques, yoga, or peer support.
Reidenberg and Robinson shared that everyone needs to be a part of the solution to preventing suicide. Many individuals will turn to their peers before turning to healthcare providers for help. It is important that we work to educate and prepare everyone to be able to have these conversations safely and compassionately. Healthcare providers are essential, but we also need to make sure that everyone has the skills necessary to validate someone and be there for them as they navigate mental health struggles.
Awareness and ability to identify cues and characterological changes in our peers is critical in preventing suicide.
Reidenberg summarized a few warning signs that everyone should be aware of when identifying someone who may be struggling with suicidal ideation. If someone you know is communicating their intent or talking about not wanting to live anymore — or even talking about death and dying at all — it is a serious cause of concern. Feeling hopeless, trapped, lack purpose, or feel burdensome to others are common warning signs.
If one of your peers is presenting differently than their norm, check in and ask about it. Starting that conversation can be lifesaving and it's okay to be the one to ask versus waiting for others to address it.
There will be situations where you might not know what to say to your friend/family/colleague. It’s important to remember that resources are available. For one, BEAM offers a variety of skill-based trainings to help Black communities learn about peer support practices.
Mental health & suicide prevention awareness is daily work.
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, but is important to recognize that mental health — and suicide prevention awareness —are topics to prioritize daily.
Create a self-care plan. Find practices that make you feel connected, nourished and supported, and prioritize them as everyday needs rather than extra-added daily benefits.
As you implement your own self-care plan into your daily routine, it is also important to start conversations with others about their self-care. Validating your peers and encouraging them to identify activities and behaviors can further sustain conversations around wellness.
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