MusiCares Launches Suicide Prevention Online Resource for Music Professionals
The organization is partnering with JED to address emotional wellness across the industry.
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MusiCares has announced the launch of a microsite dedicated to to providing suicide prevention and mental health resources for music professionals. The organization says the new campaign is in response to rising rates of emotional distress and suicide risk across the music industry, and MusiCares is partnering with The Jed Foundation (JED) for the launch.
The new microsite serves as a hub for articles, self-guided learning and support tools tailored to the realities of life in music. Resources on the site address issues such as financial instability, grief, isolation, the pressures of touring and the emotional toll of overwork. The site also features a self-paced suicide prevention training course, created by mental health and suicide prevention experts, for artists, crew members, managers and even support teams.
"The numbers are heartbreaking, but they tell a story we cannot ignore," MusiCares executive director Theresa Wolters said. "When 11.4 percent of our peers report thoughts of suicide, it's not just a statistic, it's a call to action. The music community is one of passion, connection and creative brilliance, yet too many are suffering in silence. We owe it to music people to ensure the resources and support they receive are evidence-informed, accessible and grounded in the realities of this industry.”
Grounded in real-world touring environments and designed with a practical, peer-to-peer tone, the training equips music professionals with clear, actionable steps to strengthen a culture of care across the industry. The course was created in a microlearning format, and it reaches participants through key areas and important practices, including how to recognize warning signs, starting supportive conversations, responding when someone is in distress, and understanding when to escalate concerns and connect to available resources.
“Music can reduce stress, boost mood and build community, but the people who make it all happen can also experience mental health challenges," Dr. Katie Hurley, JED's vice president of community initiatives, said. "We're proud to partner with MusiCares to create mental health and suicide prevention resources specifically for artists, crews and teams, rooted in evidence-informed practices and tailored to the diverse realities of life on and off the road. Together, we're providing support that can help reduce suicide."
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