Mental Health in the Music Industry: A Reality Check for Artists & DJs
As Mental Health Awareness Week comes to a close, we want to take a moment to speak to the people at the heart of this scene — the producers, DJs, creatives, and behind-the-scenes workers grinding every day to make their mark.
This industry can be inspiring, but it can also be brutal. Long hours, inconsistent income, no real roadmap, and the pressure to always stay visible and relevant. Add in rejection, comparison, and isolation, and it’s no surprise so many people struggle with their mental health.
So here’s a reminder — for anyone who needs it — that your well-being comes first.
You Don’t Need to Be Everywhere
Not on this week’s lineup? Haven’t posted on Instagram in a bit? No new release in the pipeline? That doesn’t mean you’re failing. Slowing down isn’t falling off — it’s protecting your energy so you can keep going long-term.
The grind never really stops, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.
Burnout Isn’t the Goal
There’s this unspoken narrative in music — especially electronic music — that pushing yourself to the edge is just part of the game. No sleep, constant touring, caffeine and chaos. But there’s nothing healthy about that cycle, and eventually, it catches up.
Burnout doesn’t mean you’re working hard. It means you’re not taking care of yourself. And in an industry that glorifies hustle, taking a break is one of the strongest things you can do.
It’s Okay to Talk
You don’t have to keep it all inside. Whether you’re feeling stuck creatively, overwhelmed with pressure, or just not yourself — talk to someone. A friend. A peer. A professional.
There are some incredible resources out there, designed specifically for people in the music industry:
🧠 Mental Health Support for Artists:
Music Minds Matter — Free 24/7 support for anyone in the UK music industry.
Help Musicians UK — Offers mental health support, therapy funding, and wellbeing resources.
Backline (US) — Mental health and wellness support for music industry professionals in the United States.
BAPAM — Specialist health support for performing artists, including mental health clinicians.
Talk to Frank — For those struggling with substance misuse or needing honest advice.
You're not a burden. You're a human. Talking helps.
Silence From Labels Doesn’t Define You
One of the hardest things to navigate as an artist is silence — the emails with no replies, the tracks you were sure would get signed, the missed opportunities.
Rejection sucks. Silence is worse. But that doesn't mean you’re not good enough.
Stick to your lane. Stick to your sound. Stick to your story. Don’t jump trends just to “make it.” The right people will find you — but only if you stay authentic to what you’re building.
Every big name you look up to was ignored at some point too. Keep going.
Protecting Your Mental Health: Some Practical Steps
This isn’t about self-help clichés — it’s about survival. Here are a few simple steps that can genuinely make a difference:
Set boundaries with social media. You don’t need to be “on” all the time.
Move your body. Run, lift, walk, dance — whatever works.
Get sleep. Sounds obvious, but most of us ignore it.
Limit substances. No shame — just awareness.
Have non-music hobbies. You are more than your output.
Ask for help. Again, no shame.
Let’s Make This Scene Healthier
At PROFOUND, we’re committed to building something sustainable. We care about music, but more than that, we care about the people making it.
Let’s look out for each other. Let’s check in on our friends. Let’s make it normal to say “I’m not okay.” Let’s build a scene that’s not just exciting — but safe, kind, and honest.
You’ve got this.
– Team PROFOUND
