FM Communications
Providing Mental Health Resources For Musicians
I'm Fortune McLemore, and I'm in Washington, DC. Music and psychology are my passions in life. So I created this site to provide information on things that commonly affect musicians, like schizophrenia, mood disorders, personality disorders, anxiety issues, ADHD, substance abuse, eating disorders, self esteem, and other issues. An information page will cover a particular issue in-depth. This lets you explore something more closely, and get you thinking.
The information in this site is vetted as thoroughly as possible, and updated as often as possible. There will be information from credible sources, such as the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic & Statistical Manual, 5th edition - the “bible” of the mental health industry - as well as organizations like the American Psychological Association. However - BIG “however” - DON'T try to “self-diagnose” based on information in this site.
You may find information that could pinpoint an issue. But there is NO substitute for consulting a qualified psychological, medical, legal, or financial professional. Do your research, make notes, and be willing to consider many possibilities. Mental health issues don't fit neatly into a box. Symptoms of one disorder can strongly resemble symptoms of another. This may happen with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Or you may have more than one issue at a time. For example, with personality disorders, it's possible to have two or more at once. Also, don't expect "black and white answers" to an issue, like whether pharmaceuticals work. The honest answer to something like that may be "it depends." Mental health treatment is not an exact science, much as I wish it were.
What you find here should not be considered “gospel,” or written in stone. And if I find I have included incorrect material, I will correct it as quickly as possible, and say something like “I found this to be incorrect.” I will also try to be as objective and “opinion free” as possible. I'm here to try to help, not push an agenda.
Most of my friends are musicians, and I may interview some of them. Most are quite open about their struggles, and would be happy to share them if it helps another musician deal with the same thing.
The Contact page is super-important. It's got over 40 resources listed - and I'm always looking for more. Please suggest links, resources, information, etc., to put there. You may know something I don't. And topic suggestions are definitely welcome! Links for information and resources are on the Contact page. Let's work together to make this site a great resource for musicians.
The information in this site is vetted as thoroughly as possible, and updated as often as possible. There will be information from credible sources, such as the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic & Statistical Manual, 5th edition - the “bible” of the mental health industry - as well as organizations like the American Psychological Association. However - BIG “however” - DON'T try to “self-diagnose” based on information in this site.
You may find information that could pinpoint an issue. But there is NO substitute for consulting a qualified psychological, medical, legal, or financial professional. Do your research, make notes, and be willing to consider many possibilities. Mental health issues don't fit neatly into a box. Symptoms of one disorder can strongly resemble symptoms of another. This may happen with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Or you may have more than one issue at a time. For example, with personality disorders, it's possible to have two or more at once. Also, don't expect "black and white answers" to an issue, like whether pharmaceuticals work. The honest answer to something like that may be "it depends." Mental health treatment is not an exact science, much as I wish it were.
What you find here should not be considered “gospel,” or written in stone. And if I find I have included incorrect material, I will correct it as quickly as possible, and say something like “I found this to be incorrect.” I will also try to be as objective and “opinion free” as possible. I'm here to try to help, not push an agenda.
Most of my friends are musicians, and I may interview some of them. Most are quite open about their struggles, and would be happy to share them if it helps another musician deal with the same thing.
The Contact page is super-important. It's got over 40 resources listed - and I'm always looking for more. Please suggest links, resources, information, etc., to put there. You may know something I don't. And topic suggestions are definitely welcome! Links for information and resources are on the Contact page. Let's work together to make this site a great resource for musicians.
I also have two blogs you may want to check out, one on mental health issues, and another on personality. See if there's anything on those that might interest you.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS HELP IMMEDIATELY, CALL 1-800-273-TALK (8255). DON'T WAIT. Or text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW NEEDS HELP IMMEDIATELY, CALL 1-800-273-TALK (8255). DON'T WAIT. Or text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Welcome to FM Communications!