Mental Health in Musicbusiness: 3 Practical Tips Against Mental Health Struggles for Independent Artists

The following article was written by psychologist, psychotherapist, and mentor for musicians Nathalie Mong as a guest contribution. With her project “True Colors”, she offers psychologically grounded artist development – specifically for artists who want to work on their artist identity and mindset topics such as routines, perfectionism, self-worth, or dealing with setbacks. Under the umbrella of “Music & Soul”, Nathalie also provides mental health workshops, individual psychological counseling, and advocates for raising awareness around mental health in the music industry.

The stage shines – but what many don’t see: the pressure behind it is enormous. The music industry is one of the most stressful work fields of all. Compared to the general population, the numbers for mental illnesses among musicians are significantly higher – and life expectancy drastically reduced.

A British study shows: 73% of all musicians struggle with anxiety and depression. And according to an Australian study, the life expectancy of musicians is on average 20–25 years below the general population.

Particularly affected: Independent artists.
Because they manage not only their art, but also branding, booking, and finances – often without a team, without a safety net, without a pause button. The constant availability via social media and the pressure to turn creativity into income increase the risk of overload and mental crises.

My mission is that you can be successful AND healthy with your music. From my work with artists I know: it’s not easy – but absolutely possible. Here are three concrete impulses from my mentoring practice that may support you:

1. No Success Without Rest: Plan Fixed Breaks

Tour, release, TikTok – you’re running 24/7? Stop. Plan your recovery as concretely as your next gig. “No Days Off” sounds like true commitment to your music – but in reality it’s the direct road to burnout. Constant hustling and exhaustion are often glorified in the music industry and our performance-driven society. But burnout is not a trophy, it’s a serious illness and often the precursor to depression.

Whoever constantly crosses their limits risks emotional emptiness, physical stress symptoms, and the loss of creativity, motivation, and joy of life. You are THE most important resource for your work. Your creativity needs rest – just like your body and mind.

Practical tip:
Set at least one music-free zone each week – no writing, no producing, no networking. Phone off. Instead: recharge, relax, have fun.

2. Self-Worth ≠ Feedback

Likes are not love. Applause – or the lack of it – says nothing about your worth. Easier said than done. Especially when you put so much heart, personality, and time into your music, criticism or missing success can feel deeply personal.

That’s why stable self-worth is so important: it means knowing who you are – even when things don’t go well. In creative professions, identity is often closely tied to performance and public validation. When positive feedback is missing, it can shake your very foundation. Fragile self-worth fosters self-doubt, comparison, pressure to conform, and exhaustion. The more you detach your inner value from numbers, algorithms, and opinions, the more resilient and satisfied you will become.

Practical tip:
Write down one thing every day that you value about yourself as a person – not as an artist. Simple but powerful. Daily affirmations can also help:

• I am valuable – even without likes, streams, or gigs.
• My music is expression – not proof.
• My creativity is a gift – not a competition.

Find the sentences that strengthen you.

3. Connect – Honestly, Offline

The music industry can be lonely. Real connections beyond networking events and DMs are a gamechanger. Talk to other artists about your struggles – with people who understand you and don’t just see you as a project.

Equally important: friendships outside the scene. They often need more effort because your life rhythms are different – but they help when you need distance. Social relationships are one of the strongest protective factors for mental health. Honest conversations with people who truly see you reduce stress, strengthen self-esteem, and prevent depression. Especially in uncertain work and life situations, a stable social network acts like an emotional safety rope.

Practical tip:
Create or join a small circle of 3–4 fellow artists who meet regularly – and talk openly about the highs and the lows. No coaching, no pressure, just real listening.

Final Thought: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Mental health is not a nice-to-have. It is the necessary foundation for a successful and sustainable music career.

“It’s okay not to be okay – and it’s brave to ask for support. Stay healthy and creative.”

We thank Nathalie Mong for this guest contribution.