It’s been a devastating week for music lovers across the world with the news that iconic frontman Chris Cornell took his own life at the age of 52.
As many try to process how and why something like this can happen, we once again try to comprehend the many unpredictable factors that may have caused it, but the fact remains that depression, anxiety and mental illness are issues that a disproportionately high number of musicians suffer from, and have been for a long time.
Tonight’s panel discussion set to take place in Melbourne’s Abbotsford Convent, ‘Music and the Mind: A Panel on Mental Health’, will be the latest attempt to help shed some light on the issues plaguing our music community, and it’s proven very timely.
Hosted by industry body APRA AMCOS and well-regarded charity Support Act, the panel will feature input from the latter’s Catherine Hardy, psychologist Dr Margaret Osborne, GP Dr Matthew Long and The Smith Street Band’s Wil Wagner, as they all discuss firstly how to recognise mental illness in ourselves or others, and then how to find the right support.
“Recent research has shown that there’s a high incidence of depression and anxiety among musicians,” APRA AMCOS points out. “With low pay, unreliable work, bullying, stress and other factors all playing a part, keeping your head in check can often be a huge challenge – as can finding support when you need it the most.
The panel takes place at 6pm tonight at the Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne, and tickets are free – just RSVP to [email protected]
If you or somebody you know needs help or information about depression, suicide, anxiety, or mental health issues, please contact Beyond Blue on
