Increase Burnout Among Performing Artists

If failure shame continues to grow over the next ten years, performing artists will experience more significant episodes of burnout by 2035. Burnout is when you feel physically, emotionally, or mentally drained.

Burnout is a big issue for performing artists today, especially after the pandemic. This essay looks into what is causing this problem, how it affects mental health, and some ideas for tackling these challenges.

Factors Contributing to Burnout

High Rate of Mental Health Issues

Performing artists tend to face mental health struggles way more than people in the general population. Research shows that folks in the entertainment world are about three times more likely to deal with issues like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse (Zarrabi, 2022). This increased vulnerability comes from the business being high-risk, uncertain, unstable, and crazy long working hours (Zarrabi, 2022).

Financial Instability and Job Insecurity

Financial instability is a common problem in the art world. Many artists do their thing independently, often without steady income or safety nets to fall back on (e-flux, 2015), (artshub-au, 2015). Not having financial security adds much stress and can lead to burnout. The ongoing pressure to take any job, even if it does not pay much or is unpaid, puts even more pressure on artists (artshub-au, 2015).

Overwork and Lack of Work-Life Balance

Artists who perform usually put in many late or odd hours, which can mess with their relationships and make it hard to find a good work-life balance (Mental Health & the Unscripted Industry | Wrapbook, August 3, 2023). The lines between work and personal life can mess with artists, making them feel like they must always be on and super productive. This constant pressure can lead to burnout. (e-flux, 2015). Often, people work too much because they fear they will miss out on chances. This can result in taking on more than they can handle (e-flux, 2015), (artshub-au, 2015).

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the challenges faced by performing artists. Lockdowns decimated the industry, leaving many performers without work for extended periods (Wilson, 2022). The pandemic and high government spending also introduced additional stressors, such as mass inflation and a cost-of-living crisis (Wilson, 2022). All these things have made it more challenging for artists to deal with their mental health, so it is super important to tackle burnout head-on (Wilson, 2022).

Burnout's Impact

Physical, Emotional, and Mental Exhaustion

Burnout is when you feel physically, emotionally, or mentally drained. You might find it hard to stay motivated, your performance dips, and you start having a negative vibe towards yourself and others (Luc, 2022). When artists feel burned out, they usually say they are exhausted, do not care much about their work, and feel hopeless overall (Luc, 2022). This exhaustion can make creative work physically painful and draining (Luc, 2022).

Decreased Motivation and Performance

Burnout leads to a significant decrease in motivation and performance. Artists may feel a constant overwhelming guilt to produce work despite their minds being unable to handle the pressure (Luc, 2022). This decreased motivation can result in lackluster performances and negatively impact their careers (Luc, 2022).

Negative Attitudes and Relationship Strain

Burnout can also lead to negative attitudes towards oneself and others. Artists may become increasingly critical of their work and feel isolated from their peers (Luc, 2022). The strain of overwork and irregular hours can also impact personal relationships, further contributing to feelings of isolation and burnout (Mental Health & the Unscripted Industry | Wrapbook, August 3, 2023).

Addressing Burnout in the Performing Arts

Professional Mental Health Support

Access to professional mental health support is crucial for addressing burnout among performing artists. Organizations like Behind the Scenes Charity and Backline offer initiatives to support mental health and psychological safety in the entertainment industry (Zarrabi, 2022). Tools such as the Entertainment Industry Therapist Finder can help artists find therapists familiar with the industry's unique challenges (Mental Health & the Unscripted Industry | Wrapbook, August 3, 2023).

Industry Initiatives and Support Programs

Several industry initiatives aim to support the mental health of performing artists. For example, the U.K.'s Film & TV Charity has partnered with MoneyHelper to provide financial planning tools and a 24/7 helpline for mental health support (Wilson, 2022). Similarly, Comedy Central's Mental Health First Aid at Work program teaches participants how to identify and respond to mental health issues (Zarrabi, 2022).

Personal Strategies for Managing Burnout

Artists can also adopt personal strategies to manage burnout. Setting definitive goals, taking breaks, and surrounding oneself with inspiring and passionate people can help maintain motivation and mental well-being (jennyclarinet, 2018). It is also important for artists to recognize their limits and practice self-care, such as turning down work that may cause additional stress (artshub-au, 2015).

Wrap-Up

Burnout is a big issue for performers and comes from various sources, such as mental health struggles, money problems, working too much, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As failure shame continues to increase among performers and contributes to more burnout, we need a mix of mental health support, industry efforts, and personal tips for handling stress and staying well. By understanding what is causing burnout, the performing arts world can build a healthier and more balanced environment for artists.

References

artshub-au. (2015, October 16). Why we are burning out in the arts. ArtsHub Australia. https://www.artshub.com.au/news/career-advice/why-we-are-burning-out-in-the-arts-249582-2350136/

e-flux, http://www.e-flux.com. (2015, October 22). Why we are burning out in the arts. E-Flux Conversations. https://conversations.e-flux.com/t/why-we-are-burning-out-in-the-arts/2695

Luc, C. (2022, August 30). Burnout – What Does It Look Like To An Artist -. https://watercolormisfit.com/burnout-what-does-it-look-like-to-an-artist/

Mental Health & the Unscripted Industry | Wrapbook. (n.d.). Www.wrapbook.com. https://www.wrapbook.com/blog/mental-health-entertainment-industry

Wilson, J. (n.d.). Breaking Down Mental Health In The Entertainment Industry Post Pandemic. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshwilson/2022/11/23/breaking-down-mental-health-in-the-entertainment-industry-post-pandemic/

Zarrabi, D. G. (2022, June 10). mental health issues in the entertainment industry | Harbor Clinic California. Harbor Psychiatry & Mental Health. https://harbormentalhealth.com/2022/06/10/mental-health-and-the-entertainment-industry/