Growth In Failure Shame Will Impact Performing Artists' Mental Health Over the Next Ten Years

Failure, shame, feeling like you are never good enough, and fear of failing can mess with performing artists' heads. If this kind of shame keeps growing in the arts, here are five ways it will affect artists trying to make it in the professional world over the next ten years.

Increased Anxiety and Depression

Musicians, actors, and other performers often struggle with stress and depression. These struggles can worsen because artists feel they must always do well and worry about not succeeding. This stress can lead to increased feelings of anxiety about performing, doubting themselves, and feeling completely worn out, which can significantly impact their health in the long run (Futurum, 2024). The never-ending worry about not living up to expectations can lead to a lot of stress and mental health problems, which can make it challenging for artists to take care of themselves.

Heightened Perfectionism and Self-Doubt

The growing fear of failing can make future performing artists feel they must always be perfect, leading to self-doubt and a fear of criticism. This struggle can constrain their creativity and even affect their mental health. (OnStage, 2021) (Futurum, 2024). The more artists strive for perfection, the more critical they can be in themselves, making them less confident and hesitant to take creative risks.

Increased Risk of Burnout

As failure shame increases, performers may deal with anxiety, depression, and perfectionism all at once. This struggle can wear them out. Burnout, in this case, means feeling emotionally drained, performing below par, and losing interest in their work. (Futurum, 2024). The future artists may have trouble staying motivated in the long run with all the pressure to succeed and the fear of failure. It can take a toll on them emotionally and physically, making it hard to sustain their careers.

Greater Propensity for Shame and Regret

Growth in failure shame can make future performing artists feel bad and disappointed about themselves. Artists might feel ashamed of not reaching their full potential and meeting their expectations (Jess the Avocado, 2024). This shame can mix with guilt, creating a complicated emotional situation that's hard to deal with (Jess the Avocado, 2024). The constant worry about failing can stop artists from fully embracing their creativity and lead to long-term regret.

Increased Mental Health Disorders

Many artists struggle with mental health issues, which can get worse because of a fear of failing and feeling ashamed (OnStage, 2021). The pressure to be successful and the fear of not living up to expectations can cause various mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and feeling isolated (Futurum, 2024). These mental health issues can affect artists' well-being and their ability to perform at their best.

It is important to remember that growing pressure and fear of failure can cause shame and affect the well-being of future performing artists. This struggle can lead to more anxiety, depression, and self-doubt, as well as a higher risk of burnout and mental health issues. Providing support and mental health resources is essential to help these artists as they enter the professional art world over the next ten years.

References

Futurum. (2024, March 19). Looking after performing artists' physical and mental well-being - Futurum. Futurum. https://futurumcareers.com/looking-after-performing-artists-physical-and-mental-wellbeing#

‌OnStage. (2021, August 2). OnStage Blog. OnStage Blog. https://www.onstageblog.com/editorials/2020/12/1/i-asked-40-artists-about-performance-amp-mental-health-heres-what-i-found#

‌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#

‌