Maintaining your health is crucial to sustaining a career in music and clinical support can prevent, identify and address health issues that may arise. Try to be proactive about your health, paying attention to early warning signs and seeking medical advice when needed. It’s crucial to understand that seemingly minor aches and pains, if ignored, can develop into more serious conditions over time. Equally, feeling low or anxious may indicate you need mental health support.
Once you’ve identified you need support, don’t hesitate to book an appointment. You should always let your GP know you are seeking support – NHS provides for lifelong support and private/charity supported care can only be a short-term solution. The GP can also carry out diagnostic tests for other conditions which might be contributing and they can prescribe medication if needed. If you decide to use a private clinician, ensure they are qualified to help.
For mental health, get in touch with NHS Talking Therapies – you don’t always need an NHS referral
If you already have a mental or physical health diagnosis, get advice from your clinical team before embarking on intensive work (e.g. a tour) and ensure you know how to access care whilst away from home
The Value of Clinical Assessments
Clinical assessments are far more than routine check-ups. These evaluations excel at early detection, often catching potential health problems before they escalate into severe conditions. For instance, a skilled physiotherapist might identify subtle postural issues that, if left unchecked, could develop into chronic back pain, significantly impacting your ability to work.
Performance Optimisation and Expert Guidance
Beyond preventing injuries, clinical assessments play a crucial role in performance optimisation. They can help you enhance your physical capabilities, leading to improved job performance and extended career longevity. Qualified healthcare professionals provide authoritative advice on managing existing conditions while working, ensuring you can perform your creative work without exacerbating health issues.
Documentation and Holistic Health Approach
These assessments serve an important administrative function by creating a documented record of your health status, crucial for insurance purposes or if workplace adjustments become necessary. Moreover, clinical assessments often take a holistic view of health, considering not just physical well-being, but also mental health and lifestyle factors that may impact your overall well-being.
Prepare for your appointment
It can be hard to find the right words and your clinician may have limited time so preparation is important to make the most of the appointment. Write down what you want to say in advance and take your notes in with you. Give yourself enough time to get to your appointment, so that you don’t feel rushed or stressed. If you’re feeling nervous, let your clinician know. Think about taking someone with you to support you, like a close friend or family member. If you’ve talked to your family or friends about how you feel, practise what you might say to your GP with them. Highlight or print out any information you’ve found that helps you explain how you’re feeling. Think about the outcome that you want from your appointment (such as access to therapy). If you have a few things to talk about, you can ask for a longer appointment (you’ll need to do this when you’re booking it in).
For Music Industry specific issues
If you’d like help from someone who understands the industry, there are a number of options
In the moment mental health support
- Fast access to a listening ear if you are feeling you need to talk a counsellor quickly
Music Minds Matter helpline 0808 802 8008
- Bullying and Harassment in the Music Industry
Helpline 0800 088 2045
Therapy
If the helpline feel you would benefit from therapeutic support they will refer you to BAPAM who will assess you. If BAPAM’s multidisciplinary team recommend therapy and you meet the eligibility criteria for Music Minds Matter funding, you will be matched with a registered therapist who specialises in mental health in music and the creative sector. PRS Members Fund also support Music Minds Matter and contribute to the therapy fund.
You can also call BAPAM direct to start the process on info@bapam.org.uk and 020 8167 4775
There are other music charities who also offer mental health support
- Addictions
Music support specialises in addictions and mental health 0800 030 6789
- Physical health
Call BAPAM direct to start the process on info@bapam.org.uk and 020 8167 4775
For Immediate Support
The table below from MIND highlights emergency services and when you might need them.
Accident and Emergency (A&E) (emergency support)
You need immediate medical help – especially if you think you might act on suicidal thoughts, or you’ve harmed yourself and need urgent medical attention.
Emergency GP appointments (emergency support)
You need urgent support for your mental health, but there’s no immediate danger to your safety or the safety of others.
Listening services (Telephone support)
You need to talk to someone right away about how you’re feeling.
Crisis teams (Crisis resolution and home treatment team)
When you need urgent support, and you are already in contact with your local mental health services.
Hospital Admission
- If not going to hospital would mean you or others would be at risk of harm
- If you need intensive support which cannot be given to you at home
- You need to have an assessment which cannot be done outside of hospital
