Staying Positive in an Uncertain 2021.

Something that has affected many over the last year are mental health issues whether it be as a result of lockdowns or other issues like being unable to work. It is those working in the events industry that have been particularly badly hit by this. With the prospects of strict lockdowns at the start of 2021 it doesn't look like this situation is going to improve. 

For many a lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic may just mean simply working from home and altering their lifestyle somewhat. For anyone working in the live events sector it's just not that simple. Whether it's events organising teams, venues, performance artists or suppliers there are limited alternatives. For a lucky few they have been able to engage with audiences with live streaming events but for the majority the prospects of work and income are severely restricted. Mental health is starting to become a concern for many previously employed in the events industry unable to work and earn and income with few alternative prospects. 

Identifying Mental Health Issues.
Any deterioration in someone's mental health is not sudden but happens over time and the following are typical symptoms to look out for in others or in oneself. 

• Feeling sad or down
• Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
• Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
• Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
• Withdrawal from friends and activities
• Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
• Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations
• Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
• Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people
• Problems with alcohol or drug use
• Major changes in eating habits
• Sex drive changes
• Excessive anger, hostility or violence
• Suicidal thinking 

Although not an exhaustive list these are typical symptoms to look out for but also consider the physical effects too such as stomach pain, back pain, headaches, or other unexplained aches and pains.

Strategies for Staying Positive. 
There are some strategies that can help anyone stay positive and each can be adopted depending on an individual's preferences. 

Life Objectives. 
It may be time to explore one's own role in life and discover issues that give it meaning, it can be particularly helpful to indulge more in a particular passion whether it’s cooking, religion or environmental concerns for example. Consider something that gives life's objectives meaning and a sense of achievement.

Routine and Schedules. 
Have a daily routine and instil a sense of discipline in running your life, set daily tasks and objectives no matter how simple they may be from house cleaning to decorating for example.

Try Something New. 
Consider learning a new language or other new skill, this is a constructive use of down time and has the potential to build a better whole person for the future.

Relationships.
Maintain relationships with positive people and create new ones where personal problems can be shared. Part of resolving any mental health issues is sharing and discussing them with others and is an excellent therapy. 

Aside from sharing any concerns or issues with close friends and family resources and advice are available online in the UK from the Mental Health Foundation. 

FestivalPro understands the mental health challenges being faced by the live events industry being so close to event organisers and artists and hope this small piece of advice is helpful. For any event organisers planning their 2021 events using a software management platform like Festival Pro gives them all the functionality they need to plan every aspect of their event. The guys who are responsible for this software have been in the front line of event management for many years and the features are built from that experience and are performance artists themselves. The Festival Pro platform is easy to use and has comprehensive features with specific modules for managing artists, contractors, vendors, volunteers, sponsors guestlists and ticketing.  

Image by Ava Motive via Pexels

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