The Importance of Safeguarding Mental Health in The Night Time Economy
The night time economy can be experienced as a thriving ecosystem, contributing not only to our enjoyment and our growth as human beings, but also to our economic prosperity.
This has been my personal experience with the night. A place I could escape to, from an abusive home situation. A space where I could connect with others, discover aspects of myself in connection to others, and feel free to develop myself and grow as a human being through that connectedness and shared enjoyment of night time activities.
Even though it is a vibrant aspect of our lives, at the same time, we must also acknowledge that the night time economy - much like any other industry, faces its own set of challenges and responsibilities.
These challenges often take a toll on the mental health of those who work within it, and the patrons and people who participate in it - especially for those in already vulnerable positions.
This is also something I have personally faced - the toll this environment has had on my mental health. To a point where I started to question my worth as a human being, a lack of firm personal boundaries, comparing myself to others, struggling within a competitive environment, and overworking to feel a sense of worth. In all fairness, it is something that I still struggle with sometimes.
It is clear that the challenges faced are complex and diverse.
My aim is to shed light on these challenges and explore how safeguarding mental health in the night time economy is not just a moral imperative but also a sound business decision.
By doing so, I firmly believe we can ensure the longevity and vitality of this economy while improving the lives of those who work within it and those who partake in its pleasures.
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What is mental health?
In order to better grasp the challenges of night time economy workersn we want to of course understand or at least agree on some sort of a definition of mental health.
According to the Worl Health Organisation:
“Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.”
There are 6 factors of mental health according to the WHO:
“Physical, psychological, social, cultural, spiritual and other interrelated factors contribute to mental health, and there are inseparable links between mental and physical health.”
Mental health challenges of nightlife workers
When discussing the unique challenges of the night time economy, there are a few big ones that stand out, these are:
a. Irregular work hours and schedules - this often means lack of sleep, lack of quality sleep, lack of proper nourishment or regular meals
b. High-pressure environments - always having to be on, dealing with the fast pace and competitiveness.
c. Substance use and abuse in order to deal with pressure and being able to stay awake, and overwhelm and anxiety - bearing in mind that self-medicating to overcome, for instance anxiety, can lead to a substance use disorder
d. Financial instability and insecurity.
Just to give you an idea of what this looks like specifically, I’ve pulled together a few numbers to illustrate.
Mental health challenges of DJs and musicians
Artists also face specific challenges regarding mental health in the music industry. You can find a few stats below.
The benefits of safeguarding mental health in the night time economy
We’ve touched upon some of the challenges, now let’s look at the benefits of safeguarding.
When exploring the positive impact safeguarding can have on individuals, we can see:
a. Improved well-being and job satisfaction - when we feel good, we do good.
b. Enhanced customer experiences - when we feel good we have more emotional bandwidth and enthusiasm to serve.
And there are also Business benefits of prioritizing mental health, like
a. Improved staff retention and morale
b. Increased customer loyalty and positive reputation
c. We can save costs from reduced turnover and absenteeism
When we look at the cost for hospitality for NOT priotising mental health, knowing that not only lives of human beings can be destroyed and lost due to poor mental health; there are also financial implications for businesses.
“An estimated 70 million working days are lost every year to mental health problems, believed to cost employers around £2.4 billion a year.”
A study I co-authored for the journal of psychology of music found support for the importance of psychological resilience and social support as protective resources.
They do not necessarily protect against mental ill-health but might be important resources to maintain at least a moderate level of functioning and well-being.
The importance of the night time economy
So, why should we be concerned about the night time economy and its impact on mental health? The answer lies in its immense social and economic significance.
Tourism and Global Image:
The night time economy often defines a city's character and allure, drawing tourists from near and far. The experiences we offer in these spaces not only impact our local communities but also shape the image of our cities on a global stage.Cultural Enrichment:
The night time economy is a hub of cultural enrichment and artistic expression. It offers a diverse range of experiences that contribute to the cultural identity of our cities. From live music to culinary delights, it's a canvas for creativity and cultural exploration.Economic Contribution:
The night time economy represents a substantial part of our economy. It provides employment opportunities, generates tax revenue, and fuels local businesses. The success and sustainability of the night time economy are critical for the overall prosperity of our communities.Social Connection:
Beyond the economic benefits, it plays a fundamental role in fostering social connections. It's where friends gather to celebrate, where couples create memories, and where strangers become friends. In an era marked by social isolation, these spaces have taken on an even greater significance.
Who is responsible for safeguarding mental health in the night time economy?
The answer to that is easy. We all are, as a collective. We all have a duty of care.
To quote Stephen Covey: “Responsibility is the ability to choose a response to any circumstance or condition.”
So let’s look at 3 best practices for safeguarding mental health in the night so we can make informed decisions and choose our response to safeguard intentionally.
To conclude, if you ask me, to safeguard mental health in nightlife is to take care of each other.
To hear each other. And to learn how to make voices heard.
To find the safety in speaking up about our feelings, future visions, dreams and needs. To support others in finding the courage to do the same.
To be vulnerable.
To say it in the words of shame and vulnerability researcher Brené Brown:
“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it's our greatest measure of courage.”
A safe, healthy, vibrant and inclusive nightlife starts within, right here, with the desire to wish upon others what we wish for ourselves.
I often get personal - on my blog, in my talks and in my newsletter, sharing some of my own experiences. And I’ve had people come up to me, questioning whether or not it is actually necessary to get this personal.
But if we don’t get personal in an environment like nightlife, where people come together, we’re missing the point.
It’s all about connection, togetherness, belonging. That is a human need. We all seek it, not just in nightlife, but in life in general.
So if we can’t get personal, then how will we ever know how to safeguard someone’s mental health in this environment?
Talking about mental health is talking about the most intimate, hidden, deeper parts of being a human being. To seek to understand. And to build strategies around that.
To start from a space of enough. Not to fix what’s broken, But to fill the gaps.
If we can’t get to that, then what is the purpose?
Remember…
You are not alone.
The more informed you are, the better you can help yourself and others. So we can increase both individual and group resiliency for a healthier, more positive nightlife.
For me, for you, for us.
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