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Guide to Wellbeing - Plain Text Version.docx
A note before we begin.
This is a wellbeing guide designed specifically to help Fringe artists maintain good mental health and self-care during their Fringe journey. It includes many ideas that could be helpful to anyone working in the arts who is interested in maintaining good mental health. It has been written by Chris Cheers, a psychologist who specialises in working with artists, in consultation with Melbourne Fringe staff.
Research has shown that Australian entertainment industry workers have levels of moderate and severe anxiety symptoms that are 10 times higher, and level of depression that are 5 times higher, than in the general population (Entertainment Assist). If you are an artist and are experiencing depression or anxiety symptoms, know that you are not alone and support is available.
The ideas presented in this guide should be understood as general advice to maintain wellbeing. If you feel you are experiencing mental health difficulties, please talk to your GP, or refer to the end of guide for advice on seeking help from a psychologist or other mental health professional. If you need immediate support, feel unsafe, or require crisis care please instead contact: Beyond Blue (1300 22 46 36) or Lifeline (13 11 14).
This kit was written by Chris Cheers (AHPRA Reg. PSY0001129849, chrischeers.com) in consultation with Melbourne Fringe staff.
All images in this kit from Between Two Lines, Melbourne Fringe Festival 2016.
This kit was made possible through the generous donation of Nicole Birrel.
<aside> 🌳 “Self-care means being aware of ourselves, where we are rooted, aware of what is around us and evolving from the lessons we learn in order to survive and thrive” – Naomi Ortiz
</aside>
Yep, here‘s that word again. But stay with us, because mindfulness is the number one strategy that can help you manage those Fringe Feelings and Fringe Thoughts. Think of it as a skill to build. Like all skills, Mindfulness takes practice. What we’re working towards is the ability to control attention so you can move it from your thoughts, and your feelings, to be completely present in the current moment.
So, how would this work in practice to help you and your Fringe festival experience? Well let’s imagine some thoughts that may come up for you during the Festival. Often, these are focused on the past, or predictions of the future. Especially at times of stress, they tend to be focused on the negative: