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As the worldwide conversation on mental health has grown, so too has the conversation within our industry. We are learning more about the dimensions of the problem and the depths of people’s pain and despair, and the role that the unique stresses, demands and culture of our industry play. The time has clearly come for all of us to take an active role in fighting the stigma associated with mental illness and to offer a helping hand to our colleagues who are struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, harassment, or addiction.
The goal of this initiative is to provide easily accessible information, tools and resources to members of the entertainment industry that will:
Behind the Scenes partnered with Vibrant Emotional Health, whose programs include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, in the initial stages of developing this initiative.
Joining Behind the Scenes in developing this initiative are a group of individuals and organizations with relevant expertise and experience and a deep commitment to improve the quality of life for those working in the entertainment industry.
In the fall of 2019, Behind the Scenes conducted an industry-wide survey to get a sense of how many people in the industry are experiencing anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide, problems with alcohol/substance misuse, or reactions to traumatic events. The response from the industry was incredible, with over 3400 people completing the survey. We were amazed by the sheer number and candor of people who shared their stories with us about personal challenges and struggles or those of friends and family.
The information provided is proving invaluable as we begin the development of this initiative. It is helping us to understand the issues industry members face and the obstacles that might prevent them or those they care about from seeking and utilizing mental health resources.
An initial look at the survey results confirmed what many already knew – that the long hours, pressures of deadlines, lack of resources, and uncertainty of employment have taken a very hard toll on our industry. These affect not only mental health, but physical health as well, and impact relationships with family and friends. Unsurprisingly, over 90% of respondents have experienced anxiety while over 80% have suffered from depression.
What is also apparent from the responses, and very encouraging, is that many individuals want to step up and help colleagues they feel are struggling but simply don’t know how and are very concerned about making things worse. Our goal is to provide information and resources that will give industry members the confidence to act.
It’s not too late to add your voice to those who responses are helping to define the tools and resources developed for this initiative. If you’d like to take the survey, please click here.
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