Entertainment Assist moves to find solutions to mental health issues in Australian entertainment industry

Entertainment Assist, the charity established to raise awareness about mental health in the Australian entertainment industry, is conducting further data collection on the issue.

In 2015 it released some startling and alarming research in a study it conducted in association with Victoria University.

These included:

* 25% of performing artists, and most roadies have attempted or considered suicide, but none of the roadies surveyed had sought help

* Over a third of performing artists, 25% of industry support workers and most roadies and crew reported mental health problems

* Suicide attempts for Australian entertainment industry workers are more than double that of the general population.

* The levels of moderate to severe anxiety symptoms are 10 times higher than in the general population.

* The levels of depression symptoms are five times higher than in the general population.

Read the full report here: https://www.entertainmentassist.org.au/our-research/

This morning, Entertainment Assist began a study on what sort of the sort of mental health and wellness programs available or accessed by the local entertainment industry, and more information on mental health issues.

The research is being conducted by Everymind on behalf of Entertainment Assist and the Australian Alliance for Wellness in Entertainment.

Findings from the study will inform the development and implementation of a Prevention First Framework for Mental Health in the Australian Entertainment Industry.

“Mental health and wellbeing in the Australian entertainment industry is our shared responsibility.,” says Entertainment Assist general manager Susan Cooper.

“It is vital that individuals know how to support their colleagues and get support when they need it.

“We’ve identified the problem. It’s now time to work on the solution together.

“We’re looking for perspectives from all areas of the industry.

“If your job is technical, creative, behind-the-scenes or in front of a microphone or camera, we want to hear from you.

“Please have heart and play the most important role of your life. Or someone else’s!”

All professionals working with the entertainment industry are invited to complete a survey to share thoughts regarding the mental health needs of industry people, how they should be supported and what are considered the most pressing issues.

The survey can be completed in less than 25 minutes and will help guide the development of programs aimed at enhancing mental health and wellbeing specifically for entertainment pros.

All responses to the survey remain strictly confidential and any published results de-identified.

The survey is at https://www.research.net/r/VVRQG92.