Loneliness and Isolation

The entertainment industry is commonly perceived as being very gregarious and friendly. However, it can be a lonely place. The ArtsMinds research showed that the nature of work patterns in the industry is often a cause of loneliness. For example, work is rarely regular enabling you get to know and perhaps socialise with colleagues and this can be isolating. For other acts the “in and out” nature of gigging and travelling all over the country can prevent you from forming friendships. Or  there can be a sudden and often intense closeness during rehearsals and the run – then it’s all over equally suddenly. The camaraderie and feeling of family has disappeared overnight and that can leave a big gap.

Sometimes, life can seem to have been taken over by work and this can be very challenging especially when it might have taken you away from home.  There can also be the pressures of touring with a group of people you don’t know very well, and some of whom you might not particularly like. It can be difficult to deal with all of this when you are without your usual support network.

Older respondents also raised loneliness as an issue as a result of their not working as often as before and seeing fewer people.