The last 18 months have been a trying time for everyone’s mental health. But how have dancers been uniquely affected? A group of artists whose lives and identities are notoriously tied up in training and career—what happened when the theatres went dark and the studios fell silent?
Through interviews with a range of dancers, host Emma Lister explores mental health during the pandemic— taking in depression, PTSD, body image issues, substance abuse…and some surprising positive effects too!
Interviewees:
Isaac Bowry
Crystal Costa
Ash Mukherjee
Vanessa Vince Pang
with Kristen McGarrity, BSc (Hons) Psychology
SURVEY RESULTS
Has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your mental health negatively? (you can tick multiple)
Anxiety | 73.65%
Depression | 51.26%
Insomnia | 31.77%
Loneliness | 51.26%
Boredom | 50.9%
Fear | 44.04%
Anger | 35.38%
Obsessive behaviour | 19.13%
Alcohol/substance abuse | 13.36%
Stress | 64.98%
PTSD | 6.86%
Suicidal Thoughts | 9.75%
No it hasn't affected me negatively | 4.69%
Has the Covid-19 pandemic affected your mental health positively? (you can tick multiple)
Time to reflect | 67.03%
Time to rest | 63.41%
Time to heal (physically or mentally) | 46.38%
Spend more time with loved ones | 52.54%
Reconnected with people | 28.62%
No, there have been no positives | 5.43%
REFERENCES
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie
In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 800-273-8255 or chat for support
Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org
Kristen’s references:
Cooley, C.H. (1902) Human Nature and the Social Order, New York, Scribner.
Hollway, W. (2012) Social Psychology Matter, The Open University, Milton Keynes, Chapter 5: Self, pp. 123 - 124.