There is no doubt that it is an emotionally difficult time for everyone, especially those involved in the creation and production of branded content. To that end, the Music Producers Association is taking action, inviting the entire industry to a night of mindfulness and hosting a virtual panel on mental health and wellness.
Entitled “Mental Health in the Creative Industries,” the event will take place on Wednesday, February 15 at 7:00 PM (4:00 PM ET). Participation is free, but registration is required.To register, please visit here.
Led by Yessian Executive Producer Matt Nelson, the panel will be a peer-to-peer conversation aimed at fostering dialogue. Panelists talk about how their careers have affected their mental health and how they have overcome mental health challenges, drawing on their own personal experiences.
Joining Matt will be Light Post Sound sound designer Brad Nayman. Brandy Ricker, Independent Music Supervisor. Hard City Senior Producer Liana Rosenberg.
Matt will follow up after the panel to share various resources, links and publications. All of these focus on helping people find sources of strength and calmness during difficult times in life. We emphasize that it is not a substitute for the treatment of
“We all share our own stories of making mental health and wellness a priority in our lives,” Matt says. A lot of the time we talk about challenges common to humanity, and here’s where it really matters: mental health and wellness is something that everyone deals with, but it’s often overlooked, neglected, or actively ignored. I think it’s time to talk about this issue, break down barriers, understand that we are not alone, and possibly save lives.”
Designed to include both freelance and staff perspectives on this issue, the panel focuses on the unique circumstances affecting those in demanding creative industries such as advertising. Problems such as managing stress with feelings, deadlines approaching, feeling like “everything needs to be done”, or working long hours. “For many of us, work is a big part of our personal story and sense of self,” he adds. “So it seemed a natural fit to be part of this panel to discuss mental health related to our work in the creative industry.”
“My goal with this event is to spread the word to people who are already interested in mental wellness, and to make people who don’t know or have experience feel that they can seek treatment without judgment. That’s it,” continues Matt. “There is growing interest in this issue and we are pleased that the industry is beginning to embrace the concept of mindfulness, but there is still much work to be done. It’s a taboo/stigma and the only way to change it is to talk about it and share your experiences.”
