Greater Shame and Regret Among Performing Artists

Performing artists like musicians, actors, dancers, and other creatives often feel shame and regret. These emotions come from different sources, like the pressure of being judged by the public, striving for perfection, and the challenging parts of the creative process. This essay uses insights from various sources to explore the different sides of shame and regret among performing artists.

The Nature of Artists' Shame and Regret

Internalized Sense of Failure

Artists often feel ashamed because they think they cannot fully express themselves or become who they want to be. This feeling of failure can be challenging because it is a personal struggle to make their art match their inner vision (Jess the Avocado, 2024).

Feeling ashamed and guilty and the need to do well can result in deep regret as artists think about missed chances or untapped potential (Jess the Avocado, 2024).

Questioning the Worth of Artistic Endeavors

Many artists need help with deep questions about whether their work matters. This questioning can make them feel guilty or embarrassed, especially when they compare what they do to perceived essential fields like medicine or environmental activism (Kitzes, 2019). The art industry's focus on looks rather than values and ethics can make artists feel like their work matters little (Kitzes, 2019). This feeling of not being good enough can encourage artists to fill the void by volunteering or advocating for causes (Kitzes, 2019).

Mental Health Challenges

Performers' mental well-being is crucial to understand why they might feel ashamed or have regrets. The pressure to keep up a particular image, the constant pursuit of perfection, and the unpredictable lifestyle that comes with performing can lead to severe mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and burnout (Best, 2023). These issues do not just get in the way of being creative but also make artists feel like they are not good enough and full of self-doubt (Best, 2023). On top of that, there is much stigma around mental health in the arts industry, which makes it challenging for artists to get the help they need (Best, 2023).

Post-Performance Depression

Post-performance depression (PPD) is typical for performers. It occurs when they feel tired, lost, and emotional after a show (Sanders, 2022). This emotional rollercoaster can make them feel critical about their performance and how the audience reacted. To deal with PPD, performers should appreciate support from the audience, do activities to transition back to everyday life, and take care of themselves (Sanders, 2022). Knowing that PPD feelings are normal can help performers handle the post-show blues better (Sanders, 2022).

The Impact of Public Scrutiny and Organizational Dynamics

Public Scrutiny and Media Pressure

Performing artists are constantly under the scrutiny of the public and media, which can amplify feelings of shame and regret. The fear of public failure and the pressure to maintain a particular image can lead to self-destructive behaviors and a sense of inadequacy (Best, 2023) (The Psychological Impact of Being in the Spotlight: The Emotional Struggle of Celebrities, 2010). 

Celebrities, in particular, face unrealistic standards and the constant threat of losing their fame, which can result in obsessive behaviors and a deep sense of unfulfillment (The Psychological Impact of Being in the Spotlight: The Emotional Struggle of Celebrities, 2010).

Organizational Challenges

Working as an artist in a formal setting can be challenging. Dealing with constant judgment and rejection can affect an artist's confidence and creativity (LinkedIn, 2024). Plus, not knowing precisely what the organization wants and getting mixed feedback can make things even more frustrating (LinkedIn, 2024). Artists need to build a support system and get helpful feedback from peers to make the work environment more positive and supportive (LinkedIn, 2024).

Coping Strategies and Support Systems

Mindfulness and Self-Care

Mindfulness and self-care practices are essential for helping artists manage their mental health and emotional well-being. Techniques such as meditation, regular exercise, and creative expression outside of work can help artists build resilience and cope with the stresses of their profession(Jess the Avocado, 2024). It is essential to support artists in getting the help they need and making sure they can easily access mental health services to tackle the challenges they may be facing (Best, 2023).

Building Support Networks

Being around people who get what it is like to be a performer can boost your confidence and make you feel understood (LinkedIn, 2024). Relying on family and friends and being part of understanding communities can help artists deal with their ups and downs, making them feel less alone and embarrassed (Sanders, 2022).

Self-Advocacy and Constructive Feedback

Artists need to stand up for the worth of their work and talk openly with their managers or directors to deal with issues and get credit for their efforts (LinkedIn, 2024). It is always good to ask your friends and mentors for feedback. They can give you new insights and help you improve your ideas. This can make you feel more confident and reduce your regrets (LinkedIn, 2024).

Performing artists often feel shame and regret, a complicated issue influenced by their internal struggles, public scrutiny, and organizational dynamics. Artists must understand their sources of shame and regret and use effective coping strategies to deal with these emotions. They also need to prioritize their mental health, build supportive networks, and stand up for themselves to overcome the negative impact of shame and regret in the performing arts.

References

Jess the Avocado. (2024, May 11). In Search of Steadiness. Guilt, Shame, and Future Regret When Consuming and Creating Art. Medium; Counter Arts. https://medium.com/counterarts/in-search-of-steadiness-guilt-shame-and-future-regret-when-consuming-and-creating-art-810a1384152f#

‌Kitzes, J. (2019, February 7). The Artist's Shame - Julie Kitzes - Medium. Medium. https://medium.com/@juliekitzes/the-artists-shame-confronting-a-lack-of-fulfillment-as-an-artist-74181e633db0#

‌Best, H.-H. (2023, October 11). Breaking The Silence: Long-Term Effects of Mental Health on Music Artists' Careers. Medium. https://medium.com/@hiphopsbestkeptsecrets/breaking-the-silence-long-term-effects-of-mental-health-on-music-artists-careers-1e436eadb6f0#

‌Sanders, L. (2022, April 2). Laurel Sanders. Laurel Sanders. https://www.laurelsandersmusic.com/blog/how-to-fight-the-post-performance-blues#

‌The psychological impact of being in the spotlight: the emotional struggle of celebrities. (2010, March 26). Deep Mindset Coaching, LLC. https://drchristinavillarreal.com/2010/03/26/psychological-impact-being-spotlight-emotional-struggle-of-celebrities/#

LinkedIn. (2024). Linkedin.com. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/unveiling-impact-crushing-creativity-its-mental-health-kariuki-paul-wn06f?trk=public_post#

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