Samaritans
Someone to listen, whatever you’re going through.
Call 116 123Service details ↗You don’t have to face it alone. Find support now ↗
MUSIC. COMMUNITY. MENTAL HEALTH.Louder
Louder
together.
Stronger
connected.
Music brings us together. Honest conversations help us feel less alone. We’re Musicians Against Depression — here to help you find support, connection and a way forward.
Find mental health support Support for everyone, through every stage of life.
FOR MUSICIANS ✳FOR MUSIC LOVERS ✳FOR CREATIVES ✳FOR EVERYONE
01 / SUPPORT RIGHT NOW
It’s okay to reach out.
You don’t need to find the perfect words.
Start with whatever you can say.
In immediate danger, or unable to keep yourself or someone else safe?Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E now. Mental health emergencies deserve immediate help.
Call 999Shout
Text SHOUT to 85258 for support by message.
Text 85258Service details ↗Urgent mental health support where you live
EnglandCall 111 and select the mental health option.
NHS urgent help ↗
ScotlandCall 111 and choose the mental health option.
NHS 24 guidance ↗
WalesCall 111 and select option 2.
NHS 111 Wales ↗
Northern IrelandLifeline: 0808 808 8000, free, 24/7.
Lifeline support ↗
MAD shares information and signposts support. We are not a crisis service or a replacement for professional care. The booking inbox is not a support helpline. Listening and text services may have waits; in an emergency, call 999.
02 / YOUR MENTAL HEALTH TOOLBOXA little direction.
A little direction.
A world of support.
Trusted places to start, whether you’re looking for yourself, supporting someone you love or navigating life in music.
SUPPORT FOR MUSICIANS
Help Musicians
Health, wellbeing and career support for UK musicians.
FOR THE MUSIC COMMUNITYMusic Minds Matter
Mental health support and practical resources for everyone working in music.
UNDERSTAND & FIND SUPPORTMind
Clear information on mental health, ways to cope and finding support for yourself or someone else.
HEALTH & TREATMENTNHS mental health
Explore symptoms, treatments and routes to professional help. Service information is for England.
YOUNG PEOPLE & FAMILIESYoungMinds
Mental health guidance for young people, plus advice for parents and carers.
SUICIDE PREVENTIONCALM
Support and resources for people struggling with life, and those worried about someone else.
SOMEONE TO LISTENSamaritans
A listening ear when things feel difficult. Call 116 123 free, any time, day or night.
TEXT SUPPORTShout
Free UK text support, 24/7. Text SHOUT to 85258 to start a conversation.
CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLEChildline
Support for anyone under 19. Talk to a counsellor free on 0800 1111 or explore online help.
Independent services; links open in this tab. Check eligibility and availability. Reviewed 19 September 2026.
LOOK AFTER THE PERSON BEHIND THE MUSIC
The MAD Pocket Survival Guide for Musicians
A practical companion for your gig bag, studio drawer and life beyond the stage.
Written by Thomas Maher, drawing on his experience as a Neuro Holistic Therapist and long-time gigging musician, this guide explores the pressures that come with a life in music — from late nights and financial uncertainty to band dynamics and the demand to perform.
Find practical tools for navigating anxiety, low mood, burnout, impostor feelings, creative blocks and the post-gig comedown. Explore routines for before, during and after shows, alongside ways to protect relationships, set boundaries and plan for life beyond the next performance.
For gigging and touring musicians, music professionals and anyone considering a career in the industry.
A not-for-profit MAD booklet. The paperback is offered to cover printing costs; check retailer listings for the final price, delivery and ebook availability. A companion for wellbeing, not a replacement for professional support.THE NEXT CHAPTER · PLANNED FOR 2027/28
The Ultimate Musicians Mental Health Survival Guide
An expanded edition is in development, with worldwide availability through major retailers and bookstores planned. Stay tuned for updates.
MUSIC THAT BRINGS US TOGETHER
Connection beyond the stage.
Music is one way we open up conversations about mental health. Velvet Fury performs for mental health awareness, bringing people together through shared live experiences.
Music and Gigs →03 / WHY WE’RE MADMusic starts
Music starts
the conversation.
People make
the difference.
Musicians Against Depression (MAD) is a mental health awareness and wellbeing initiative for musicians, music lovers, creatives and anyone affected by mental health challenges.
Founded by musician, producer and mental health advocate Thomas Maher, MAD works to break down stigma through music, education, open conversation and shared experience.
Our mission is to make reliable information easier to find and mental health easier to talk about. From trusted resources to live performances, we bring people together around a simple belief: everyone deserves support.
MusicEducationOpen conversationCommunity