Canadian Musician September / October 2019

responsibility of everyone in the industry to level the playing field a bit for the artists who are really the basis of everything the mu- sic industry is able to do,” he says. “It pains me sometimes that I feel like that is forgotten – that we treat the artists like, ‘Well, you should be happy or feel lucky that you get to do this – this is the dream job.’ Whereas, everyone else, their teeth aren’t rotting out. So, if everyone puts just a little bit of their money, just like a small sliver, into a way to make sure that artists get basic healthcare, I think that is a goal we should be striving towards.” Really, it’s a hard thing to argue with once you acknowledge the scale of the mental health problem in the industry, and simply the decent and right thing to do. Yes, it’s easier said than done for many companies with tight budgets, but that should be the goal. Errin Williams, the clinical therapist who oversaw the ECMA’s survey and ran a mental health workshop at East Coast Music Week 2019, agrees that it’s vital to provide better supports for artists. “Although it is not a typical employer-employee relation- ship, I would like to see companies, individuals, and organizations who profit from the creativity and work of musicians, as well as music industry associations or other larger member-based organi- zations, offer comprehensive medical insurance for musicians so they are able to see a private therapist if they are having a tough time accessing hospital-based services, afford medications, and be better able to take care of their health, overall.” We’re all familiar with the insidious image of the “tortured artist.” It’s time to stop glorifying mental illness in the arts. It’s time to truly believe that being a professional musician is a “real job” and then treat it like one. It’s also time for musicians to help them- selves and each other. “Great pain makes great art. There is no doubt about it. But, you see the artists who live in great pain their entire life and they don’t live very long. That is just what’s up. There is only so much of that that someone can handle,” says Versteeg, speaking from experience. “So many of my peers and myself have struggled with that. But knowing that if you want to continue to make art and share your art with the world that you don’t have to live in that pain? You know, you’re still going to experience it in your life, that’s for sure, and bad things and emotional things and scary things are never going to stop in this world we live in. But finding better ways to cope can make your life a little easier on you and everyone in it. That’s what I’ve noticed.” Michael Raine is the Senior Editor of Canadian Musician. Self-Care Tips for Musicians Errin Williams, clinical therapist Errin Williams is a Nova Scotia-based clinical thera- pist who oversaw the East Coast Music Association’s survey on mental health in the music industry and ran mental health workshops for musicians during East Coast Music Week 2019. She is also a co-founder and former ar- tistic director of the Harmony Bazaar Festival of Women & Song in Lockeport, NS. What affordable resources would you recommend to musicians to care for their mental health? 1. Find a local therapist with whom you can build a strong relationship. This person may need to be flexible with schedule and case planning to accommodate a touring schedule. 6. Self-help books – some people find self-directed self- discovery works well for them. You can find many at your local library. In terms of simple lifestyle changes, what would you recommend to musicians that could help their mental health? 1. Mindfulness! Engaging in mindfulness activities like med- itation can help to regulate emotions, increase control of thoughts (just because we think something doesn’t mean it is true), be present with those around us, and live life with intention. 2. Increase physical activity and healthy eating. 3. Develop a schedule for when you return home after tour- ing, including things like exercise, meditation, hobbies, and plans with friends/family. 4. Attempt to continue healthy eating patterns when you are on the road. 2. Reach out to your local community mental health and addiction services department attached to your province’s health department. 5. Take alcohol off your hospitality rider. (If you like to drink, you can ask for one at the venue; a full bottle backstage may lead you to drink more than you intended.) 3. See if your local university’s psychology or social work de- partments have a counselling centre open to the public. 6. See if your therapist is available to do phone sessions while you are touring. 4. Work with your family doctor to help them understand what is happening in your life. 7. 5. Attend peer-led groups such as AA, NA, or ones for people experiencing a variety of mental health concerns. Usually, you can do an internet search for peer support groups for your city to identify which one might work best for you. Nurture friendships and interpersonal relationships. The music industry will give you highs or lows, accolades or rejection, and rewards or losses; having people who care about you and who you trust and can confide in is important to weathering the lows and grounding you during the highs. 46 C A N A D I A N M U S I C I A N

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