Behavioral Health Resources
When gigs are canceled and stages go dark, one might turn to feeling hopeless. Don’t let the lights go out on you or your bandmates.
Your union brother and sisters are here for you. The AFM is fighting to get members help with unemployment assistance, we’re working in DC to help protect working people, and we’re standing up to get musicians back performing safely.
And most importantly, we want you to be healthy both physically and mentally. It’s okay to ask someone if they’re okay, and it’s okay to not be okay.
Uncertainty can cause anxiety and depression to rise, but there is help. Reach out to your local or a friend. Check in on friends you haven’t seen or heard from.
We will return for another curtain call.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been many restrictions and closings put in place to try and reduce the curve, such as canceling live entertainment, closings restaurants, businesses and schools, social distancing, as well as the insistence of staying home. These changes have resulted in overwhelming feelings of anxiousness/anxiety, worry, separation, and despair for many.
The 24/7 news cycles that release update upon update can add to the mounting sense of anxiety felt among children and adults. These are common feelings, even for those not directly impacted. To help manage and reduce stress, it is essential to take time to care for yourself.
The following strategies may be helpful:
- Take the recommended and necessary precautions to keep you and your family safe
- Try and limit screen time on electronic devices. Also, try and limit news intake to new information and stick to reliable news sources (there is no benefit to watching the same news over and over)
- Try and maintain a schedule as close to your overall daily routine (even if some changes are necessary)
- Don’t completely isolate yourself; even if quarantined, it is beneficial to keep social interactions with friends and family (phone, text messaging, social media, etc.)
- Try and stay physically active
Visit these links for resources on: Anxiety | Depression | Grief & Loss | Stress
Additional Mental Health Assistance:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-8255
The Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call: 800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence
Confidential and secure help is available.
National Domestic Violence Hotline https://www.thehotline.org/
https://aflcio.org/covid-19/domestic-and-intimate-partner-violence-and-covid-19
Alcohol and Drug Addiction
Addiction thrives in an environment of secrets and lies. Conversely, recovery requires an environment of accountability and honesty. The COVID-19 lockdown separated people from their usual contact points of job, family, and community and significantly increased the opportunity for substance abuse to occur.
https://www.liveandworkwell.com/recovery
https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/find-local-aa
Behavioral Addictions
Online gaming and gambling addictions are on the rise. Social isolation combined with stress and often monetary concerns are contributing factors. Reach out for support by confiding in a trusted family member or friend.
https://www.netaddictionrecovery.com/gambling-and-gaming-recovery/
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
Additional Resources for Workers Impacted by COVID-19
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted the lives of millions of working people and our families. Select your state to find the resources, programs and benefits available in your area to assist you during this crisis.