Working on a freelance basis, as many dance professionals do, can be both liberating and destabilising. It’s understandable to feel the strain that comes with that. On World Mental Health Day, I want to share where to find support and reflect on what we’ve been able to offer.
This year’s theme is ‘access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies’ and reminds us of the importance of protecting mental health in times of global instability. For dancers, personal crises are particularly common, whether this is an injury, accumulating unpaid bills, or burnout.
The impact of the pandemic
Research from the University of Birmingham, published after COVID-19’s first wave, revealed that the pandemic amplified existing pressures for freelance dancers. Participants described how financial instability, lack of regulation, and the constant churn between gigs became impossible to ignore when work disappeared.
But even before the pandemic, mental health challenges were widespread. Another recent study found that 44.6% of contemporary dance students reported experiencing mental health problems over a single academic year.
Funded counselling sessions
Between waiting lists and costs, accessing mental health support can be difficult. Recognising these challenges, we wanted to help. Through our partnership with BAPAM, we fund up to six sessions of counselling for dancers who need it.
One dancer told us:
“My BAPAM therapist has been so incredibly helpful. He has quietly and kindly offered me the tools to do the work which has helped me to travel on the very bumpy road of the last year and look forward to the road ahead. Bumpy or not.”
We have some counselling slots available with BAPAM, so if this is something you’re interested in, you can find out more on our medical grants page or fill out the form below.
Where to find support
If you’re looking for support, here are just a few of the brilliant organisations we recommend reaching out to for help:
- Samaritans offers free and confidential emotional support for anyone in the UK. Whether you’re in crisis, anxious, or need someone to talk to in the middle of the night, you can call their helpline at any time.
- STEPPS provides specialist mental health support for dancers and dance students. Their services include online counselling with therapists who understand the dance world, mental health self-care workshops (covering performance anxiety, body image, perfectionism, and injury rehabilitation) and Mental Health First Aid training.
- Mind offers information and support for anyone experiencing mental health difficulties. Their website provides resources on various conditions, treatment options, and how to access NHS services. Mind can help you understand your options and find local support.
- Mental Health & Money Advice provides practical advice for managing money while protecting your mental health. Their services include debt guidance, benefits advice, and strategies for coping when financial stress impacts wellbeing.
As a dancer, caring for your mental health is just as vital as caring for your body and you don’t have to do it alone.
