Workshop: Burnout, Breakdowns & Healthy Touring

Hosted by: Music Industry Therapist Collective (UK)

What used to be referred to in the press as “exhaustion” is now more openly called burnout and mental ill-health. But which parts of touring can exacerbate or contribute to mental health problems, and who is most at risk? Roadie medic and GP Dr S. Arun-Castro; psychologist and frontman of the Boo Radleys Dr Simon Rowbottom; and psychotherapist and touring researcher Tamsin Embleton examine myths, stress factors, and the impact of chronic stress on the mind and body. We’ll take you on a whistlestop tour of the circadian rhythm, gut dysbiosis, the allostatic load, survival mode, and the stress-diathesis model of depression. We’ll finish by presenting some strategies you can implement to improve living and working conditions.

MITC is a global collective of psychotherapists, psychologists, and medical doctors who serve the music community as healthcare providers. MITC are uniquely positioned to deliver specialist workshops, seminars, and therapy having worked in the music business in various roles prior to retraining. Their landmark book, Touring & Mental Health: The Music Industry Manual provides expert advice for all those affected by the psychological, social and physical difficulties that can occur on the road, or as a result of touring. Touring & Mental Health: The Music Industry Manual is sponsored by Live Nation and will be published by Omnibus Press in March 2023.