In honour of International Stress Awareness Week, from 1 – 7 November, we thought it fit to discuss mental health in the creative industry. There is a typical and outdated stereotype of a depressed artist trying to express feelings through painting, poetry and fashion that permeates through the cultural consciousness. This does ring true to some, where creativity becomes an outlet for designers and artists to produce deep and meaningful work. However, this stereotype overlooks the genuine need for mental health support within creative industries. The idea that poor mental health and artistic temperament go hand-in-hand has always been understood as normal. From figures such as Kanye West and Virginia Woolf, many people are familiar with famous artists who have reportedly struggled with mental illness.

A recent white paper by the Wits/Medical Research Council, Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU), reveals that 25.7% of South Africans are most likely depressed, with more than a quarter of respondents reporting moderate to severe symptoms of depression. Some research-based estimates show that as many as one-quarter of South African employees will be diagnosed with depression during their employment. However, only between 15% and 25% will seek and receive professional help. Mental disorders in the workplace result in massive amounts of lost productivity each year, and it is estimated that employee absenteeism on account of depression costs the South African economy approximately R19 billion annually.

According to a recent study conducted in Sweden, creative professionals were more likely to experience bipolar disorder. It was also found that writers were noted to be more vulnerable to mental health disorders than other creative professionals, such as performers, musicians and the general population. This is a staggering revelation for people in the advertising and public relations fields as these sectors predominantly employ creatives such as writers. It is typical for people in this line of work to experience high pressure with tight deadlines and long work hours.

Like many other professions, working in the creative industry has its problems. Some everyday struggles include:

• Substance abuse.
• Creative block, which may lead to self-doubt and depression or anxiety disorders.
• Inconsistent or unpredictable work and income.
• Self-doubt and variable levels of success.
• Lower income than other professions.
• The stigma surrounding mental illness and the creative arts.

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Explore creative ways to support an employee’s recovery, like flexible/adjusted working