Study: 25% of local performing artists have considered or attempted suicide

According to an extensive study of Australia’s arts and entertainment industry, 25 percent of performing artists and over 50 percent of ‘behind the scenes’ technical and support crews had attempted or considered suicide.

The study confirms the extent of mental illness problems in the industry, citing depression symptoms are five times higher than in the general population, while moderate to severe anxiety symptoms are 10 times higher than in the general population.

In response, Arts Centre Melbourne has launched a one-year prevention and early intervention initiative called Arts Wellbeing Collective. The program started in Melbourne yesterday and will run until November 2017.

Developed in close consultation with leading consultant psychologist, author and academic Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, and internationally-acclaimed soprano and performance psychologist, Greta Bradman, the initiative is designed to support mental wellbeing and health in the entertainment and arts industry.

Financial services company Allianz is a major sponsor of the Arts Wellbeing Collective. Helen Silver, Allianz Chief General Manager Workers Compensation, said “the statistics are alarming and this project is particularly close to my heart because I’ve been involved in the arts myself for many years.

“The story is so unknown. The public, for good reason, enjoy all the arts have to offer but behind all of it are some really worrying mental health issues.

“Allianz’s feels strongly about promoting the importance of nurturing good mental health and we hope our sponsorship will improve much needed support services for Victorian arts workers,” said Ms Silver.