Help Musicians Access Mental Health Treatment with SMASH
The Crocodile was born from Seattle's local music scene in the 90s and we wouldn't be where we are without the talented musicians who've played our stages. Help us raise $500 in support of SMASH to increase their capacity to provide mental health treatment to local musicians in need.
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SMASH helps local musicians stay healthy by providing access to free and low-cost medical, dental, and mental health services to low- and limited-income working musicians plus providing support for navigating the complicated and frustrating healthcare system.
What SMASH offers:
Primary care sessions with traditional and naturopathic providers
Hearing screening and protection
Comprehensive dental care at local partner clinics
Low barrier mental health treatment
Health insurance navigation
Health service navigation
SMASH is here to support musicians’ health. SMASH is not a health insurance provider, and if you have insurance you can still qualify for SMASH services. If you’re a musician you can sign up for SMASH here.
SMASH's 2022 GiveBIG goal: Expand access to mental health treatment for Seattle area musicians.
A 2018 study from the Music Industry Research Association (MIRA) found that 50 percent of musicians reported battling symptoms of depression, compared with less than 25 percent of the general adult population. 12 percent of musicians reported having suicidal thoughts – nearly four times the general population.
Some experts believe musicians may be predisposed toward depression and anxiety, coupled with the fact that making a career out of music is becoming exponentially more difficult, it makes sense musicians are suffering from mental health issues at higher rates than the general public. It’s tough being a musician; musicians face extreme financial instability in the gig economy, are directly impacted by gentrification and the rising cost of living in the Seattle area, and often lack access to affordable mental health treatment. But, we can help.
At SMASH they offer low-barrier access to mental health services. Worldwide, 450 million people are currently living with a mental illness, yet nearly two-thirds of people with a known mental illness never seek treatment. Help SMASH change that. This year, they are raising money to increase their capacity to offer mental health treatment.
By providing access to, and funding for, health and wellness services SMASH provides a safety net that allows our local musicians to be cared for and focus their resources on other key living expenses and their craft. In turn, our local musicians enrich our local culture, our economy, and our lives.