6 Mental Health Resources for Performing Artists.
A few weeks ago I was asked to complete a survey about working full time in the entertainment industry in Melbourne, Australia - and part of the survey asked if I had used any of their listed support services for mental health support; and I was pretty surprised how many of their listed services I had NEVER heard of! I instantly wanted to share the list to my circle to make sure they knew what was available to them, and it just makes sense to include this list in our blog for you to know about, too!
Here is a list of 6 Mental Health support Resources for anyone involved in the entertainment industry or related fields, all mainly based in Melbourne, Australia.
1. Support Act (for the music industry)
Support Act Australia is a non-profit organization focused on providing financial assistance and mental health support to Australian artists, crew, and music workers. They’ve been around since 1997 and offer crisis relief, financial grants, and mental health services to artists. They have a series of different online guides and a range of other resources for you.
Check them out HERE!
2. The Arts Wellbeing Collective (for anyone in the arts sector)
Okay this one I had heard of through The Space on Chapel St, but for those who don’t know, the Arts Wellbeing Collective are focused on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of anyone working in the Australian arts sector. It was launched by the Victorian Government's Creative Victoria in 2016 and provides resources, training, and support to address the unique challenges faced by artists, performers, and other arts professionals.
The Collective offers a range of services, including mental health workshops, peer support networks, and access to wellbeing resources. Its goal is to create a supportive environment that promotes mental health awareness and resilience within the arts community, helping individuals manage stress, prevent burnout, and improve overall wellbeing.
Check them out HERE!
3. Equity Foundation (for actors)
The Equity Foundation, Melbourne, supports performers and professional actors in the arts by offering practical assistance and advocating for the wellbeing and financial security of actors and performing arts professionals.
Their website states that they are “the region’s leading provider of professional development programs tailored to the unique needs of performers.” Their focus is on building and sustaining performers’ careers through artistic excellence while also creating a diverse and inclusive industry - we love them already!
Check them out HERE!
4. Partners in Wellbeing (for sole traders or small business owners)
Okay so this one wasn't included in the Survey but Music Victoria was, and they now direct you to Partners in Wellbeing, which offers free confidential support and wellbeing resources for sole traders and small business owners (which likely includes you, if you trade under your own ABN)!
Check them out HERE!
5. Screen Well (for performing artists and screen industry professionals)
Screen Well Australia focuses on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of performing artists and screen industry professionals.
They offer tailored mental health resources like counseling and therapy with professionals who understand the specific and unique stresses of the industry. They also provide educational workshops on things like resilience and stress management, and have an online resource hub for a variety of tools, info and education. They’ve created a supportive community and they advocate for improved mental health practices (like healthier working environments, reduced isolation among artists and making sure artists have the support they need to thrive in their careers - we love them already!)
Check them out HERE!
6. Eating Disorders Victoria (for anyone experiencing an eating disorder)
The team at Eating Disorders Victoria aren’t necessarily focused on the performing arts industry but there is an unfortunate and devastating amount of performing artists living with an eating disorder, whether that’s due to the pressure and expectation (perceived or real) of the industry, or because of other life events - either way, EDV have a huge range of resources and support from free access to a Telehealth nurse, to counseling and an online educational e-learning platform, LearnED, which is for those experiencing an eating disorder OR for health professionals (like dance teachers, etc) to have a better understanding of various topics and issues.
Check them out HERE!
So that’s our list of Mental Health resources for Melbourne based Performing Artists!
These organizations provide valuable (and often free!) resources, support networks and initiatives aimed at promoting your mental health and wellbeing within your career as a performing artist in Melbourne - so PLEASE remember whatever you’re facing; you’re not the only one facing it and there is someone willing and able to help you!
And as always; we are here for you! Reach out to us at hello@thestretchiflex.com for our personal or small group training - you already know the benefits of movement and a likeminded community (or if you don’t maybe we’ll talk about that soon, too!)
Look after yourself :)
Xx
