Coinciding with World Mental Health Day, The AFEM guide aims to educate, provide practical support, and further destigmatise the subject of mental health.
initially launched in 2016 as the "Music Managers Forum Guide to Mental Health" the now renamed “Electronic Music Industry Guide To Mental Health” has been produced alongside Help Musicians UK and Music Support. The guide covers key mental health issues that impact those working in the electronic music industry; anxiety, depression, alcohol, substance abuse / dependency, through to work/life imbalance and the importance of sleep.
“ In my 40 years of being around this world, I can’t think of a single person who has achieved success who hasn’t paid a personal price via health, relationships, divorce, broken homes, addiction, depression, and anxiety. ” - Pete Tong
A list of key contacts for those needing help
The guide also contains a directory listing key contacts for those needing help, which AFEM will expand to cover all 25 countries in which it has members as those working in the electronic music industry at every level are often more susceptible to feelings of isolation and loneliness resulting from a high frequency of, travelling alone and performing throughout the night with little time to recover.
The Mental health subject has never been so relevant
The guide is published with mental health continuing to receive significant attention at music conferences worldwide. This year alone, Brighton Music Conference, International Music Summit in Ibiza, ILMC, Paris Electronic Week, and Amsterdam Dance Event dedicated discussion to the challenges faced and solutions available.
Last May, during this year’s International Music Summit Ibiza which featured Avicii’s father Klas Bergling, AFEM’s Tristan Hunt stated :
" Avicii's death catapulted mental health into the spotlight. (...) the problem of mental health is complex and nuanced, and it is an issue to which those working in dance music are especially susceptible. It needs our undivided attention. At every level we all need to keep talking, acting and caring in order to further destigmatise the subject, save lives and create lives worth living. Always remember, regardless of whatever you do, however you feel, you are not alone. ” - Tristan Hunt, AFEM Regional Manager
The guide can be viewed online and downloaded here.
For more information email health@afemorg.net. For mental health support in the UK call Help Musicians UK’s free Helpline on 0808 802 8008. In the USA call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free on 1-800-273-8255.
