Many people have become increasingly concerned about the rising number of suicides and the prevalence of alcohol/substance misuse within the entertainment industry. By its very nature our industry can impact your physical and emotional health due to long hours, pressure to push your body, and high workplace stress. In response, Behind the Scenes and other individuals and organizations have come together to create this initiative.
Canadian Resources
Finding help when you are going through a difficult time can be overwhelming. A simple internet search can result in hundreds of pages and links and different terminology which can further complicate seeking help. We hope these resource links provide a simple, straightforward way for you to find assistance.
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Presentation Handout
Be The 1 To Help Save a Life
We can all take action to prevent suicide. Most people want to help someone in distress but don’t know what to say or do – or are afraid
they might make things worse. Evidence shows this is not the case. It is critical to reach out.
Some simple steps that can make all the difference
Stop Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation
Sadly, bullying, harassment, and intimidation occur in the workplace on a regular basis. Join BTS in the campaign to Stop Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation. Together we can help stop this kind of behavior in the workplace. Together, we can improve both psychological and physical safety, and encourage a more respectful and supportive workplace.
Be Informed, Be Aware, Show Support, Take Action
Anonymous Behavioral Health Self-Assessment Screening
Behavioral health self-assessment screenings are a quick way to determine if you or someone you care about could benefit from the help and support of a Mental Health professional. They will help you understand if your recent thoughts or behaviors may be associated with a common, treatable behavioral health issue. These free screenings are completely anonymous and private, easily accessible, and quick to complete.
Behavioral health self-assessment screening
“Be Scene – Be Heard” Anonymous Peer-to-Peer Chat App
The Behind the Scenes Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative announces the launch of Be Scene – Be Heard, a 24/7/365 anonymous, peer-to-peer chat app for those who work behind the scenes.
It can be hard to talk with family and friends about how you’re feeling, especially now when you want to be strong for others because that’s what you do – you’re used to taking care of things. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to people who don’t know you, but who can relate because they’re in this industry too. Maybe you’re doing pretty well but you’d be willing to help someone else just by listening and offering a few words of experience.
Make a Difference
If you are reading this, you already know that something needs to change. You, the people you care about, the people you work with, may be suffering. Deadlines, stress, working conditions, fatigue, culture, job and income insecurity leave us all vulnerable to poorer physical and emotional health. You are not alone; support is available and by sharing information about this initiative you can help others. Behind the Scenes, individuals and other organizations have come together to create this initiative, but it is only the start.
Learn More About The Initiative
As the worldwide conversation on mental health has grown, so too has the conversation within our industry. We are learning more about the dimensions of the problem and the depths of people’s pain and despair, and the role that the unique stresses, demands and culture of our industry play. The time has clearly come for all of us to take an active role in fighting the stigma associated with mental illness and to offer a helping hand to our colleagues who are struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, harassment, or addiction.