It's a question that sits quietly in the back of many minds, especially in our high-pressure creative industry. You might be wondering if disclosing your mental health challenges will affect how colleagues see your work, or whether you'll miss out on opportunities because of something you're managing behind the scenes.

The reality is more nuanced and hopeful than you might think. With half our industry experiencing some form of mental health challenge, many brilliant creatives are already being recognised and rewarded for excellent work whilst managing their wellbeing. The key lies in understanding your rights, knowing how to communicate your needs, and recognising that mental health challenges don't have to define your career trajectory.

This question was answered by Andy Wright, Host and CEO of Streamtime, a passionate advocate for workplace wellbeing in the creative industry, and Tara Hurster, psychologist and founder of The TARA Clinic, who specialises in supporting successful people with addiction and mental health challenges.

The reality of recognition in our industry

The truth is, people with mental health challenges are already being recognised and rewarded for their excellent work. As Andy points out: "When you look at how people are recognized and rewarded, there's people that are dealing with stuff that are recognized and rewarded for the amazing job that they do."

This isn't a new phenomenon. Many creatives have been managing mental health challenges for years whilst delivering outstanding work. The difference now is that there's growing pressure and opportunity to be more open about these experiences, though Andy acknowledges "you might not be ready for it yet or you might not feel comfortable doing it."

The key insight here is that performance and mental health challenges aren't mutually exclusive. You're not suddenly less capable because you choose to be honest about what you're managing.

Stigma is improving, especially for younger creatives

There's genuinely good news on the horizon. Andy shares that "stigma is improving, that's in the results in the mental health study... we've seen actually quite rapid improvements in terms of the stigma associated with mental health."

Even more encouraging is that younger people in our industry are leading this change. They're "much more likely to talk about their mental health at work than some of the older people in our industry," which suggests we're moving towards a more understanding and supportive creative landscape.

Understanding reasonable adjustments

If you do choose to disclose a mental health challenge at work, your workplace has a duty of care to make reasonable adjustments. This doesn't mean special treatment, it means practical support that allows you to do your job effectively.

Andy gives a clear example: "Someone was very clear with a business that they had a psychiatrist appointment at 2PM every Tuesday and then someone went and scheduled an internal meeting over the top of it, that would not be... that basically has an unreasonable adjustment."

The goal is to "make the kind of right adjustments for people to be able to function at work, do their job and do a great job by the way, but not to put things in the way of being able to get the support and the help that they need."

Reframing mental health as a potential strength

One of the most powerful shifts in thinking comes from recognising that mental health challenges can sometimes work in your favour. Andy mentions hearing "people talk about anxiety almost as a superpower like you can use it for good, doesn't necessarily have to be something that is... often you hear the words anxiety and the word kind of crippling comes out but actually you can also use it for good."

He shares an inspiring example of a leader who "has had high anxiety for a number of years and she's been able to find methods to control her anxiety... and she's now made managing director of quite a large agency."

Getting specific about your feelings

Tara brings crucial insight about the language we use around mental health. She emphasises the importance of being precise about what you're actually experiencing: "Rather than just saying you're angry you can actually go further out to the edge and see am I frustrated or am I enraged and those two things are probably under the same category of angry but the advice that you would give a friend if they said either of those two things would be very different."

This specificity helps both you and your workplace understand what support you actually need. As Tara explains: "Rather than saying I have anxiety it's like okay great what do you actually need, what is when you're experiencing anxiety how do you feel, what is truly going on for you and how can someone else provide you with or what do you need to do to provide yourself with the management of that moment."

Finding support through NNC Circles

If you're looking for peer support whilst navigating these challenges, Never Not Creative's Circles programme might be exactly what you need. These are confidential peer support groups specifically designed for creatives dealing with mental health challenges. Meeting monthly with 8-10 other creatives in your timezone, Circles provide a safe space to share experiences, learn practical skills, and build lasting support networks. The programme requires a six-month commitment and focuses on giving and receiving support with peers who truly understand the creative industry's unique pressures. Learn more about NNC Circles.

When to seek professional help

If you're finding it difficult to manage your mental health challenges on your own, seeking professional support can be transformative. As Tara suggests, working with a professional can help you "learn all of those tools and strategies that you can then teach to the people who are around you and your team." This isn't about weakness, it's about building the skills to thrive both personally and professionally. If you need immediate support or crisis help, visit our comprehensive help resources for services available in your location.

Legal support when you need it

Sometimes workplace issues around mental health cross into legal territory. If you're experiencing bullying, harassment, or unfair treatment related to your mental health, Never Not Creative's Support Line offers free introductory legal advice. This confidential service, delivered in partnership with specialist lawyers, can help you understand your rights and options. Whether it's unpaid work, discrimination, or harassment, you don't have to navigate these challenges alone. Access the Support Line here.

You're already enough

The most important thing to remember is that mental health challenges don't diminish your value or capability as a creative professional. You're already contributing, creating, and succeeding whilst managing whatever you're going through. Recognition should be based on the quality of your work and your professional contributions, not on whether you happen to be managing anxiety, depression, or any other challenge.

As our industry continues to evolve towards greater understanding and support, remember that you're part of a community where half of us are dealing with something. You're not alone, you're not less capable, and your wellbeing matters just as much as your next brilliant idea.‍

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