GTC Mental Health Survey 2020

As part of preparing the 2020 GTC Mental Health Supplement, we conducted a survey to gather some data and anecdotal quotes on how people feel working in the TV and Film industry affects them. While the survey was conducted in the middle of the COVID-19 lockdown, we asked respondents as far as possible to answer most questions (apart from Question 9) by bearing in mind not just their current mood but instead to take a longer-term view of their more ‘normal’ work pattern.

The total number of responses to the survey was 224 and we are grateful to all those who took the time to answer. In response to the questions offering an ‘other’ option there were many illuminating text answers, which helped to inform our therapists in writing their articles, and also a small selection of the anonymous quotes were used throughout the supplement to give a flavour of the responses where relevant.

Thanks go to Kate Harvest for putting the survey together and to James French for preparing the charts to show the results, which are given below.

Question 1

In general, do you think working in our industry has a positive or negative effect on your mental health and wellbeing?

221 responses (including 38 text responses expanding on ‘Other’)

Question 2

Here are some of the negatives associated with our work. Which of these affect or have affected you?

220 responses (including 25 text responses expanding on ‘Other’)

Question 3

Here are some of the positives associated with our work. Which of these affect or have affected you? (Tick all that apply)

223 responses (including 14 text responses expanding on ‘Other’)

Question 4

In the recent Film & TV Charity 'Looking Glass' research, almost 90% of people in our industry said that they have experienced a mental health problem. Given that this is so, do you feel comfortable talking about your own mental health at work?

222 responses (including 7 text responses expanding on ‘Other’)

Question 5

What might stop you talking openly about mental health issues?

137 responses

Question 6

Have you ever sought help for a mental health issue? If so, where from?

209 responses (including 10 text responses expanding on ‘Other’)

Question 7

What steps do you take to look after your own wellbeing and mental health? (Tick all that apply)

216 responses (including 18 text responses expanding on ‘Other’)

Question 8

Are you aware of any sources of help relating to stress factors within our industry? Please list as many as you know.

116 responses

Question 9

We are all experiencing negative consequences of the COVID-19 situation. Have there been any positives you have taken from it?

215 responses (including 37 text responses expanding on ‘Other’)

Question 10

Is there anything you would like to see from the GTC in this area, in terms of support and/or resources?

74 responses

Question 11

Do you have any thoughts or experiences you would like to share, on any aspect of mental health and wellbeing? All answers will be treated confidentially. Please give your details here if you would be happy for us to contact you about your contribution.

65 responses

Question 12

What is your gender?

224 responses

Question 13

What is your background?

216 responses

Question 14

What is your age group?

224 responses