Mental Health And Wellbeing In The Creative Industries
Andy Wright is on a mission to cultivate happier and healthier creative businesses. With over 20 years of experience in creative, media, and marketing, he has worked on both the client and agency sides. Andy has even founded his own agency, won prestigious awards, and gained invaluable insights from his time in the UK and Australia.
This dynamic industry is a cornerstone of the creative economy, significantly contributing to economic vibrancy, economic growth, job creation, and cultural production. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the creative industries are pivotal in driving economic development, generating income, and creating employment opportunities. These initiatives in the creative sector facilitate income generation for artists and cultural enterprises, contributing to wealth and employment opportunities in various communities.
The creative industries are characterized by a high degree of innovation, entrepreneurship, and intellectual capital. They employ a significant number of people, particularly offering more jobs to people ages 15-29 than any other sector. The creative industry is a testament to the power of human creativity and ingenuity.
Andy has skillfully guided numerous organisations regarding the intricacies of mental health, shedding light on the challenges, realities, essential leadership aspects, and the care duty with facts and science behind it. Read all about it by downloading The Agency Growth Book 2024
The Creative Industry Landscape
The creative industry landscape is a vibrant and ever-evolving sector that spans a multitude of fields, including visual arts, performing arts, design, music, film, and more. This dynamic industry is a cornerstone of the creative economy, significantly contributing to economic growth, job creation, and cultural production. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the creative industries are pivotal in driving economic development, generating income, and creating employment opportunities. Characterized by a high degree of innovation, entrepreneurship, and intellectual capital, the creative industry is a testament to the power of human creativity and ingenuity.
What is the state of mental health in the creative industry?
In 2018, Andy founded a non-profit organisation called Never Not Creative. Together with industry professionals, mental health experts, and organizations, they conducted the largest study ever on mental health in the creative, media, and marketing industries. This groundbreaking study, named Mentally-Healthy, included nearly 2,000 participants from Australia and New Zealand. The results revealed that over half of our industry exhibited signs of anxiety and depression.
The study has been repeated and evolved in 2020 and 2022, with a new wave of research to be conducted in 2024. Here are some of the key highlights for you:
46% of our industry display mild to severe signs of anxiety and depression.
If you’re under 29, you’re 1.5x more likely to show signs of depression than respondents over 40.
People in creative agencies are almost twice as likely to show moderate to severe symptoms of depression vs media agencies.
The 3 largest sources of stress are the pressure of our own expectations, pressure from others, and multiple responsibilities.
The stigma associated with talking about mental health has improved significantly between the waves of research (although while we welcome it from others, we might be less forthcoming in talking about our own mental health challenges).
We’re as likely to consult a boss, colleague or peer about our mental health as we are a GP – are you ready for that conversation?
We observed a 33% increase in respondents believing that companies are making mental health a medium-high priority vs results in 2020.
However, there’s still a significant gap between the perception of making it a priority and the reality of how effective businesses are in their strategies to deal with it.
“If you’re an employer, you have a duty of care to carry out risk assessments relating to health and safety at work, and these include psychological safety.”
Challenges of Working in the Creative Industry
Navigating a career in the creative industry comes with its unique set of challenges. Professionals often face intense competition and limited job security, which can lead to high levels of stress. The industry is notorious for its long working hours, tight deadlines, and high expectations, all of which can take a toll on mental health. Many creative professionals grapple with anxiety and depression, exacerbated by the relentless pressures of their work environment. Additionally, the rapid pace of technological advancements, shifting trends, and changing consumer behaviors can make it difficult for professionals to stay relevant and adapt, adding another layer of stress to an already demanding field.
Factors Contributing to Mental Health Issues
Several factors contribute to the mental health challenges faced by those in the creative industry. The constant pressure to produce new and innovative work can lead to burnout and exhaustion. The highly competitive nature of the industry often results in feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Moreover, the emphasis on individual creativity and the protection of intellectual property can foster a sense of isolation and loneliness. The industry’s inherent exposure to criticism and rejection can also be detrimental to mental health, making it crucial for professionals to develop resilience and coping strategies.
Supporting Mental Health in the Creative Industry
Supporting mental health within the creative industry is essential for the well-being and success of its professionals. Providing access to resources such as counseling services, mental health workshops, and online support platforms can make a significant difference. Employers play a crucial role by promoting a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible working arrangements, and fostering an environment where open communication about mental health is encouraged. Capacity building initiatives, including training programs and workshops focused on mental health and well-being, can equip professionals with the tools they need to thrive in their careers.
Access to Resources and Support
Access to resources and support is vital for maintaining good mental health and well-being in the creative industry. Numerous resources are available, including online platforms, mental health organizations, and professional associations. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) offers valuable support through grants and funding opportunities for creative professionals. Financial intermediaries, such as banks and investors, provide trade finance and other financial services to bolster the creative industry. Additionally, emerging technologies like virtual reality offer innovative ways for creative professionals to access mental health resources and support, opening new avenues for well-being in this dynamic field.What’s the answer?
What does it mean to change the way we work? And, what now? For a start, if you’re an employer, you have a duty of care to carry out risk assessments. Hopefully, Andy’s article will have given you food for thought on how to start or change the way you’re assessing and addressing mental well-being at work as the leader of your agency pack.
