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.
Look after your mind.
Keep making music.
Practical mental-health support for life on and off the stage.
Practical tools for the pressures of life in music.
Gigging, touring and building a career in music can take a toll. This straightforward guide explores the pressures musicians face, from late nights and money worries to creative blocks and life after a show.
Drawing on his experience as a gigging musician and Neuro Holistic Therapist, Thomas Maher shares practical approaches to looking after your wellbeing.
- Managing anxiety, low mood and burnout
- Preparing for shows and handling the post-gig comedown
- Setting boundaries and protecting relationships
- Planning a sustainable life in music — including a Plan B
For working musicians, music professionals and anyone starting out.
A not-for-profit MAD publication. Paperback pricing is intended to cover printing costs. Retailer prices and delivery charges may vary.This guide supports wellbeing; it does not replace professional mental-health care.COMING NEXT · PLANNED FOR 2027/28
The Ultimate Musicians Mental Health Survival Guide
An expanded edition is in development, with international distribution planned. We’ll share release details here.
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 & 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