Event Safety Insights Issue Three | Spring 2017 | Page 16

More Signs…
This lifestyle can spark mood changes, depression, anxiety and uncharacteristic
behaviors. When repressed and not addressed these changes can carry over
to your home life. Sustained exposure to high levels of stress may create PTSD
like symptoms. Lack of job security or worse over confidence in job security can
create a type “touring Stockholm Syndrome” so to speak, the highly emotional
state of tour and closeness with the artist may lead us to blindness that we are
irreplaceable. There is an intensity and commitment to perfection that can be
demanded when touring with a highly successful Artist. There is an infectious
vibe that is often personified by the adoring crowds.
A level of performance pressure to excel for all involved creating a dependence
and emotional investment that needs to be put into perspective at times. If you
put all your self-confidence and identity into one thing it can easily fail you or
you move on and you are left with a hole. Always know what your personal
goals are in this venture, don’t be marginalized by the wave of self-importance
of an individual tour or artist. Have an exit strategy. When dealing with issues
maintain a dignified and professional attitude. Heavy emotional ties can lead to
severe emotional distress when things, on any level or reason, no longer work
out. This can be an underlying source of depression and suicidal thoughts.
Let go of any issues with whatever personal feelings you have developed
about self-improvement; that can be the difference between life and death…
literally. We all need to learn how to maintain our mental health. Tour life can
be a very unhealthy work environment if you let it. Performing daily mental
and physical beneficial acts can make huge improvements to counteract the
negative stresses we can be subjected to repeatedly. Find what works for you,
invest and trust the process.
It will only make you stronger.
Mental Health Resources
Musicares
https://www.grammy.org/musicares
MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need.
MusiCares’ services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal
emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also fo-
cuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly
impact the health and welfare of the music community.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1‑800‑273‑TALK (8255)
If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline. Trained crisis workers are available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Your confidential and toll-free call goes to the nearest crisis center in the Lifeline national
network. These centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals.
SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline – 1‑877‑SAMHSA7 (1‑877‑726‑4727)
Get general information on mental health and locate treatment services in your area. Speak
to a live person, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.
16