Time to Talk Day 2023: Mental Health in Video Production
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]People working in the creative industry are three times more likely to experience mental health issues. Time to Talk Day 2023 provides a great opportunity to reflect on our industry and own well-being.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ custom_margin=”29px||-6px|||” custom_padding=”||35px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Whilst physical health is often at the forefront of our minds, the idea of mental health is often neglected. This can be especially true in video production. A job that is often physically demanding, whether that’s working long hours or carrying and setting up heavy kit. However, the high intensity of this work can be just as mentally draining. Just like we sleep, eat and exercise well to ease the physical strain, it’s just as important to address any internal struggles as well.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]What is mental health?
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-6px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-7px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]It’s something we all have. Our mental health is how we’re feeling emotionally and includes things such as thoughts and feelings.
It strongly affects our daily lives. Mental health can impact on how we perceive everything in our life, how it feels to us and our ability to do the things we need or want to. Our mental state is always changing depending on current circumstances and our ability to manage it. Although it’s important to realise this is completely normal.
When our mental health is good, we feel good. We might experience feelings of content, calm or hope. However, when it is not so good, we might feel life is more of a struggle. We could start feeling sad, exhausted, or hopeless.
Whether it’s in our personal or professional lives, it’s important to take notice.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||15px|||” custom_padding=”16px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Mental health in our industry
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||1px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]The creative industry, and in particular video production, can be an exciting, fun, and interesting place to work. Despite this, studies have found that creatives are three times more likely to suffer with poor mental health than the average population.
In fact, a ‘mental health emergency’ was declared for the film and TV industry in 2019, when research found 9 in 10 people working in the UK sector had experienced mental health issues- compared to 65% in the population as a whole. Unfortunately, a continuation of that research in 2022 found figures had only gotten worse.
The industry comes with no shortage of challenges such as burnout, job insecurity, low pay, and long hours away from friends/family. All of these have shown to have a negative impact on people’s mental wellbeing.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”31px” custom_margin=”45px|||||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]It’s Time to Talk
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-6px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-11px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||1px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Whilst industry-wide changes might be needed to address issues directly, there is one key thing we can do to ease the strain on ourselves and those around us:
A simple conversation can be the first big step to changing our perceptions and improving our mental wellbeing. It can help to shine a light on issues, initiating action to improve a situation or just take a weight off someone’s shoulders.
Talking doesn’t need to be complicated or awkward. It can be a quick chat over coffee, a call or text. Even just letting someone know you’re available and willing to talk can have a huge impact.
Reach out to at least one person today- it can make a world of difference.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”41px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Useful links
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-15px|auto||auto||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, there are some useful places to research or get in touch with:
Time to Talk Day- talking tips
Mind- how to seek help
Rethink- help in your area
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ min_height=”27px” custom_margin=”2px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]
