The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) defines mental health as “…the capacity of each and all of us to feel, think, and act in ways that enhance our ability to enjoy life and deal with the challenges we face. It is a positive sense of emotional and spiritual well-being that respects the importance of culture, equity, social justice, interconnections and personal dignity.”

Maintaining an artist’s health is in the best interest of everyone – the label and the management, as well as the artists themselves. Here are some resources that can help:

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

CMHA is a voluntary organization that is dedicated to mental health prevention and promotion.

Workplace Mental Health provides employers and unions with in-depth training, resources, and valuable support that can address and improve psychological health and safety in the workplace.

Artists’ Health Centre

The Al & Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre is part of the Department of Family & Community Medicine at the University Health Network. The Centre’s health team offers integrated care to artists of all disciplines, and to arts students and educators. The Centre is the only clinic of its kind in Canada that specializes in serving artists. With a mandate that also includes research, education and engagement in the arts community, the Centre strives to understand the health needs of artists to provide evidence-based, artist-centered care.

Unison Benevolent Fund

Unison Benevolent Fund is a non-profit, registered charity that provides counselling and emergency relief services to the Canadian music community.

They offer counselling and health solutions and provide a toll-free number to connect Canadian music professionals with resources and support for personal and practical issues.

They also offer financial assistance and insurance.