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Second major study into the industry’s mental health, Mentally Healthy 2020, launches

The second major study into the industry’s mental health has launched, with Never Not Creative, UnLtd and Everymind partnering to conduct the Mentally Healthy 2020 survey.

It follows 2018’s inaugural survey, which showed that, based on a sample size of more than 1,800 survey participants, the industry is 20% more likely to show symptoms of depression and 29% more likely to show symptoms of anxiety than the general population.

This year’s study will build upon the first in order to see if those statistics have improved over the past 18 months, along with investigating new issues such as causes of stress, coping mechanisms, preferred support methods, and readiness for supporting others in the workplace.

Since the results of the 2018 survey were released, the three organisations have launched the Mentally Healthy Change Group, made up of industry volunteers who work to overcome mental health issues the industry is facing. To date, the group has launched mentally-healthy.org to showcase information and stories, launched the Heart On My Sleeve storybook to share personal stories from industry leaders, and introduced industry minimum standards for workplaces to subscribe to.

“Since the results of the 2018 study were revealed, we’ve seen a huge increase in the discussion around mental health in our industry. Through the work of the Mentally Healthy Change Group, we’ve launched a number of initiatives aimed at smashing the stigma around mental health and setting standards within the workplace,” UnLtd’s CMO and co-chair of the Mentally Healthy Change Group, Nina Nyman, said.

“The second edition of our Mentally Healthy survey is an opportunity to see how those numbers have changed and to understand the current state of mental health in our industry. 

“The findings will help guide us on how we can best continue to support the industry.” 

Everymind, the national institute committed to reducing mental ill health and suicide, will conduct the research.

“Everymind is dedicated to increasing understanding of mental health and suicide through translational research, so it is important to follow up the 2018 survey with a snap shot of mental health across the industry this year,” said Everymind’s acting program manager for mental health and research, Dr Sally Fitzpatrick.

“It enables us to maintain the currency of our data and also add new questions around alcohol use and coping strategies.

“Since 2018, the media, marketing and creative industry has put in place initiatives designed to create awareness and support for mental health. In order to add to the evidence base in this area, it is vital that we evaluate – and seek to measure – changes in perceptions and attitudes based on those industry efforts.”

The survey is open now for anyone aged over 18 and working within the creative, media and marketing industries, with all responses anonymous and strictly confidential. Only de-identified data will be reported on, and the results are set to be released in autumn.

Founder of Never Not Creative and co-chair of the Mentally Healthy Change Group, Andy Wright, urged everyone to participate to ensure the results reflect the entire industry.

“2019 has been a huge year for recognition of the challenge we face. We’re more aware and gradually becoming better equipped. If anything this survey is even more essential,” Wright said.

“In 2018, we identified the problem. In 2020, with the help of everyone in the industry we can drill deeper into causes and coping mechanisms. It’s a huge journey, but this will help us to take another big leap forward. Grab a (soft) drink and put aside 15 minutes to complete it – for yourself and for everyone you love working with in our industry.”

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