Managing the sex, drugs and rock & roll of touring
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Published
11 April 2023
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Sital Panesar, Lecturer in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of East London and specialist in mental health support for creatives, has written a chapter analysing how touring can affect musicians and artists mental and sexual health.
The chapter features in the ‘Touring and Mental Health: The Music Industry Manual’ edited by Tamsin Embleton and published by Omnibus Press. The book is a guide for touring artists and musicians and covers what they need to do to survive and stay mentally well in the industry.
Sital’s chapter focuses on how artists and musicians can protect their mental and sexual health by building positive relationships and creating healthy routines while on tour.
"In my chapter I communicate how mental health and sexual health are connected," said Sital.
"We explore practical advice on how to get tested for sexually transmitted infections; what do to if you experience an unplanned pregnancy; contraception that is available; consensual and non-consensual relationships; how to recognise and call out sexual assault and more.
"The aim of the chapter is to not preclude sexual intimacy but equip someone with the information they need to keep themselves sexually, lawfully and mentally safe," she continued.
Empowering performers on tour
Sital is a member of the Music Industry Therapy Collective, an organisation of therapists and psychologists providing dedicated support to arts and musicians.
Her work does not hide the pressures touring artists and musicians face with increased exposure to alcohol and substance abuse.
"We’re not here to judge or tell people that they should not use substances on tour. Instead, we offer advice on what happens to their body and mind when taking drugs or drinking excessively," said Sital.
This chapter outlines the different forms of sexual relations and provides key health contacts. We hope that it will help people build better relationships while on tour but also when they return home.
Specific support for BAME artists
Sital also owns a private practice called MusicaTherapy, which supports artists specifically from the BAME communities.
Musicians and artists face higher rates of depression and substance abuse and members of the BAME community are more likely to experience mental health issues and suicides. Therefore, it is vital that support exists for this group of people who have traditionally been ignored in support.
Most mental health support services follow a Eurocentric view and often ignore themes of race, identity and stigmas that non-white people face.
"We’re trying to bridge the gap to ensure that artists and musicians from every background has high quality mental health support available should they require it."
For more information see ‘Touring and Mental Health: The Music Industry Manual.’
