Mental Health in the Music Industry
The music industry has undergone a significant shift in recent years, with a growing focus on mental health and wellness. This change was discussed at the Entertainment and Technology Summit in Los Angeles, where Jody Gerson and Phil Schermer shared their insights on the intersection of music, technology, and mental health.
The Changing Landscape
Gerson, CEO and chairman of the Universal Music Publishing Group, noted that there is now a whole level of artists who prioritize their mental health over their careers. "There are a number of artists who recognize what their limits are and they go, you know what? This is too much for me. I can’t. It is not good for my mental health," she said. This shift in attitude is a significant change from the past, where artists often felt pressured to prioritize their careers over their well-being.
The State of Mental Health
Schermer, founder and CEO of Project Healthy Minds, highlighted the alarming state of mental health in America. He found that there are 65 million Americans with a mental health condition, and 60 percent of them never receive any form of care due to stigma or lack of access. This lack of access to care is a major obstacle that Project Healthy Minds aims to address.
Project Healthy Minds
Project Healthy Minds is a non-profit organization that aims to simplify access to mental health care. The organization offers a marketplace for mental health, where users can access the care they need. Schermer’s vision is to create a "front door" for mental health care on the internet, where all clinical services are vetted. By partnering with musicians such as Demi Lovato and the Kid Laroi, Project Healthy Minds aims to raise awareness about their services and encourage people to seek care.
Raising Awareness
The partnership between Project Healthy Minds and musicians has been successful in raising awareness about mental health care. "Every time we do one of these partnerships, thousands of people are immediately seeking care," Schermer said. "And we see what kind of care they’re looking for and what they need. It’s an amazing way to see the impact." By working together, Project Healthy Minds and the music industry can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage people to seek the care they need.
Upcoming Events
Project Healthy Minds will be hosting the World Mental Health Day Gala on October 9th in New York, where Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will be honored with the Humanitarian of the Year award. This event will help raise awareness and funds for mental health care, and will celebrate the progress that has been made in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.
