Mental Health Data Overview
Statistics
The mental health crisis in the UK film industry was first identified in 2019 by the Film and TV Charity’s Looking Glass Survey, which has significantly worsened in the 2024 findings. In the full assessment of the Looking Glass Survey 35% of respondents described their mental health as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’, a marked increase from 24% in 2022, and the worst figure recorded across the Looking Glass series. Shockingly, 30% had thoughts about taking their own life over the past 12 months. 30% often feel lonely up from 24% in 2022 and much higher than the national average of 8% among adults in England. Only 12% of respondents feel the industry is a mentally healthy place to work. 63% feel that their work in the industry has a negative impact on their mental health, compared to only 15% who say it has a positive impact. 64% had considered leaving the industry over the past 12 months due to concerns about their mental health - up from 60% in 2022. 32% of all respondents have taken ‘firm’ actions towards leaving the industry (Film and TV Charity. The Looking Glass Survey, 2024)
More specifically, 2018 research from the wellbeing charity Inspire and Ulster University in Norther Ireland has also found a significant crisis, with workers in the sector almost three times more likely to suffer from mental ill-health compared to the general population. Key issues include high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, largely driven by the high-pressure, precarious, and often isolating nature of the work.
The report found that the likelihood of a mental health problem in the sector is three times that of the general population. The most common diagnosed disorders were anxiety (36%) and depression (32%). Extremely high proportions of individuals (60%) reported having had suicidal thoughts, 37% had made a plan for suicide and 16% had made a suicide attempt in their lifetime.
Disclosure & Stigma
Research found that while most individuals said they felt they could admit that they had a mental health, alcohol, or drug problem (63%), those who were concerned about disclosure cited workplace factors, personal factors, service provision and stigma as reasons for not revealing that they had a problem. Specific characteristics of the work environment were reported as contributing to the likelihood of developing mental health problems. Examples included pressure to reach high standards, irregular work (including contracts, financial security, irregular hours, and working outside the sector), and the perceived lack of value placed on their work
For those concerned about disclosing workplace factors- there was fear that by disclosing to employers there would be consequences including job loss. For others it was felt there would be consequences in acquiring work; There was also some concern about those in work about the consequences in the workplace, some felt they would get “less respect” or a disclosure would harm their reputation.
The research above provides strong evidence that mental health difficulties in the film/TV industry are systemic, widespread, and linked to working conditions rather than individual resilience, and presents a deteriorating picture of the overall state of mental health among people working behind the scenes in film and TV; and demonstrate a clear gap in accessible, industry-specific mental health provision. Addressing these issues is not only an ethical responsibility but also a legal, organisational, and economic necessity. The integration of Mind Stage into the film industry would represent a proactive, evidence-based strategy to improve both individual wellbeing and overall industry sustainability.
Employer Obligations
Employers within the film and television industry have a moral and professional obligation to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their workforce. Research findings, particularly the high prevalence of suicidal ideation—indicate a serious safeguarding concern. Failure to address the deteriorating mental health among individuals risks preventable harm or death, reflects neglect of psychological safety and undermines professional integrity.
Economic Impact
Poor mental health also has substantial economic and productivity implications, as mentioned above 64% of staff are considering leaving. Creative industries rely heavily on collaboration, creativity, cognitive functioning and emotional engagement, all which can be significantly impacted by high levels of stress and poor mental wellbeing. Addressing mental health is therefore not just a welfare issue- it is a business priority. Mind Stage can be a great asset in improving the psychological health of employees and by promoting psychological safety within the workplace; and in turn enhance productivity, reduce absenteeism and staff turnover, and strengthen industry standards.
35%
Described their mental health as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’
3x
Likelihood of a mental health problem in the sector
64%
Considered leaving the industry over the past 12 months
32%
32% of all respondents have taken ‘firm’ actions towards leaving the industry
63%
feel that their work in the industry has a negative impact on their mental health, compared to only 15% who say it has a positive impact
12%
Feel the industry is a mentally healthy place to work
60%
reported having had suicidal thoughts, 37% had made a plan for suicide and 16% had made a suicide attempt in their lifetime.
References
The Film and TV Charity (2024) Looking Glass Report 2024. Available at: https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/assets/documents/Reports/LOOKING_GLASS_REPORT_2024.pdf
Shorter, G. W., McCann, S., & McIlherron, L. (2018). Changing Arts and Minds: A survey of health and wellbeing in the creative sector. Ulster University. Accessible at: https://pure.ulster.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/11663648/changing-arts-and-minds-creative-industries-report.pdf