“Close your eyes and take a deep breath.”
Many moments start this way. A grounding session, meditation, yoga class, even theatre exercises. As an actor, I grew accustomed to this phrase; it was a little key unlocking my imagination and opening me up to numerous possibilities. Who knew where or who or what I might be when my eyes next opened?
Once, while pursuing my MFA in Acting, I sat on a cold floor and began an exercise just like this. The professor led us through a loop-de-loop of phrases and imagery before asking us to “imagine a time you were devoid of will.” And I did. Mindlessly, without questioning what my own limits might be or doubting the God-like voice of my professor, I unwittingly opened myself up to an intense, disarming, and painful flashback. A few weeks later, I was seeking mental health care.
What’s terrifying about this story is how common it is. Ask any performer and they can tell you a similar story about how trauma impacted either their training experience or a friend’s experience. The impacts of this can be seen across artistic industries, as performers are more likely than the general population to suffer from depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Some reasons for this include:
Perfectionist tendenciesIndustry pressureViewing bodies as a tool for their craftFatphobia and pressure to fit current beauty standardsRacism embedded in artistic institutionsComplex relationships with self-image and self-esteemInconsistent work (including fluctuating schedules, low incomes, fear of lost work)Performance demands
Challenges to Care
Photo by Kazuo ota
Despite a clear need for specialized mental health care, there isn’t always great access. A stage manager I worked with told me a story about their therapist, who they generally felt good about. But during tech week the additional stress was taking a mental toll. As they explained the ins-and-outs of tech week, the 10 out of 12 schedule, and the overall high demands of a stage manager (who is so incredibly important throughout the rehearsal and run process), they realized they were spending more time explaining what they do than getting the help they came for. The therapist simply didn’t understand why the stage manager couldn’t work less hours those weeks and, by the end of session, suggested that they find another job.
For some, leaving the entertainment industry may be the best solution to manage their mental health. Certainly the Covid pandemic had a major impact on entertainment, forcing many artists out of jobs, permanently shuttering some performance venues, and deeply impacting others. However, there are a multitude of methods to address mental health and honor the journey of each individual artist.
Ideas for Change
Mental health has become a growing concern among artists. There are ways to explore change, from individual, community, and systemic levels. This includes actively challenging harmful environments and inequality within creative spaces. Just look at the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike as an example of people within the film industry demanding better working conditions!
A group of working artists, including theatre professors, clowns, actors, devisors, intimacy coordinators, and dancers, shared some ways they care for their mental health while doing the work.
Seeking peer supportMeditationBuilding mental health days into the course syllabus or rehearsal calendarScheduled naps in the workdayGentle, intuitive movement for the bodyKeeping in touch with reality by connecting with friends and family outside of the industryFinding creative pursuits not related to career goals
The Thriving Artist
Photo by Clay Banks
Community is a wonderful component to aid in healing.
This is why I have created The Thriving Artist, a group therapy experience designed to explore the struggles of performers through ensemble-based healing. It is a group for artists, created by an artist and graduate intern therapist.
At SBCS, we are committed to serving creatives as part of our nine areas of work. This focus allows us to intentionally serve our creative clients, who may be musicians, artists, dancers, visionaries, and more. We hold space for those coping with creative chaos and provide support to you through your creative ventures, career pursuits, and challenges.
Personally, I entered the field of therapy from an advocacy perspective. I noted that trauma too often follows artists and is frequently triggered in training or performance spaces. You cannot create from a place of exhaustion. Creativity does not thrive when it is struggling to survive. Creativity needs to be nurtured. Artists deserve to be nurtured.
Join me in fostering a healing community for artists.
Meet the Author: RAE BUCHANAN
Rae Buchanan (she/her) is a counseling intern at Space Between Counseling Services working under the supervision of Diana Harden. She is deeply curious about the stories we hold within and values an empathetic, person-centered approach to counseling. Rae is LGBTQIA+ affirming and dedicated to working with artists of all kinds. With a background rich in the performing arts, she is aware of the specific mental and emotional trauma and struggles that are often associated with creative work. Rae also specializes in working with university students, University Students, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Life and Career Transitions.
Rae is currently accepting new clients. Interested in working with Rae Contact Niina Bacha to schedule your therapeutic fit call today support@spacebetweencounselingservices.com or call 443-240-5207