71% of musicians have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks, finds new study

A further 65% of respondents have experienced depression.

The study suggests that musicians are up to three times more likely to experience anxiety or depression than the general public.

Over 2200 respondents from across the globe took part in the study, which was asking the question 'Can Music Make You Sick?' - it's one of the largest studies of its kind ever conducted. Most of the respondents were between 18 and 35, with just over 55% male and just under 44% female. As well as musicians across the genre spectrum, DJs, crew, and management also took part.

The results also find that almost 55% believe there is a "gap in the provision of services for musicians" while almost 47% want a dedicated counselling service.

Richard Robinson, Chief Executive of Help Musicians UK says: “Sadly the results of this survey don’t come as a surprise and paint a concerning picture of the conditions for those working in the music industry. This survey is a vital first step in helping us to establish the scale of the problem and it highlights the importance of the next phases of the survey, which will provide us with recommendations for launching the first music industry specific mental health service. As the leading independent charity for musicians we are in unique position to commission this study and be able to look at the impact that working in the music industry has on people’s mental health.”

This new study forms part of Help Musicians UK's MAD (Music and Depression) campaign which was launched earlier this year. A second phase of survey results will be unveiled early next year along with the announcement of a "dedicated task force set up to tackle the delicate issue of mental health in the music industry."