‘Outside In’ Tackles Mental Health Head On

Mental health in the music industry is brought into focus for “Outside In,” a weekly visual campaign organised by Support Act.

The video and portrait series explores the lives and struggles of a diverse line-up of artists, from APRA and ARIA Award winner Budjerah, to Tania Doko, Dale Tanner (Ocean Grove), Catherine Alcorn, Jamaica Moana and Yorke.

Starting with artist, rapper and songwriter of Māori (Ngāpuhi/Tainui) and Samoan descent, Jamaica Moana, each participant chats with music photographer Jess Macc about their experiences as being a part of the wider music community, including the big dips.

Clips and cuts are shared each Monday.

Next up, on Sept. 11, the cameras capture Poppy Reid, editor-in-chief across the Brag Media’s suite of titles, including Rolling Stone AU/NZ and The Music Network.

“We all know that the mental health of many in the music industry is of concern, as our recent research has shown,” comments Clive Miller, CEO of Support Act, “so to be able to get a sneak peek inside the lives of some of the industry players as they openly share stories about their own personal journeys around mental health is a fantastic step in raising awareness and encouraging others to be brave and reach out for support if they need it.”

Series creators are Macc, Hustle Media and Support Act.

“There is no denying the effects that COVID has had on the music industry, and what we are seeing now is the aftermath. Many in the industry were essentially told they were ‘non-essential,’ and that eventually takes a toll where mental health is concerned,” says Macc in a joint statement.

“Creating a safe place to share stories and experiences has been such an important part of this project. My hope is that no-one feels alone on their journey and that we all care for each other a little deeper.”

The series follows the publication last year of Support Act’s first Mental Health And Wellbeing In Music And Live Performing Arts Survey, the results of which ought to be a “stark wake up call to the state of mental health in our sector,” its authors say.

Two-thirds of the participants in the survey were found to have high/very high levels of psychological distress, more than four-times the general population, while 59% had experienced suicidal thoughts, a figure over 4.5-times that of the general Australian population.

More than 1,304 music and live performing arts professionals were involved in the survey.

The music industry charity’s chief Miller has the last word.

“We hope that the series will help to normalise conversations around mental health and also remind people that there is help if they need it. We encourage anyone seeking support to reach out to the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline on 1800 959 500.”

Visit supportact.org.au/mental-health/outside-in for more.