Event planning is exciting, fun, and rewarding. It’s also been identified as one of top 20 most stressful jobs in the United States. It’s not just event planners that fall under that umbrella—there are DJs, caterers, lighting teams, entertainment professionals, and more. And this was the case even before the pandemic arrived and sent stress right through the roof. Although in-person gatherings are back on the upswing, COVID-related stress hasn’t abated. In fact, as our recent Outlook for Events and Fundraisers in 2022 found, it’s just added more things for event professionals to worry about.
Mental Health in the Event Industry
For event professionals to be happier, perform their job well, and thrive, their mental health should be less stigmatized and instead made a priority. “No one in the events industry talks about their mental health, and we should. As event professionals, we worry about coming across as unprofessional, and whether it would affect our ability to get clients,” says Charessa. “Now, I am not saying we should post our mental state on social media or announce it to the world. What I am saying is that it’s important to talk to someone, put ourselves first, and control what you can. Often, Event Therapy clients will blame their events and work—that there’s so much going on that putting yourself first is impossible. But, instead, we should start by looking at how we can make change within ourselves to create processes and boundaries to provide the grace we need to stay calm and centered.”
Putting yourself first is a big ask when so many event professionals tend to be folks who put their own well-being and happiness second to that of their clients and teams. So, where do you start? Below, Charessa offers some actionable advice for event professionals, all of which she’s implemented herself as the founder of SCV Productions. She knows it’s possible for you, too!
7 Steps Event Professionals Can Take to Care For Their Mental Health
Controlling what you can isn’t about having all the elements of your event in hand. It’s about controlling the things around the event that cause stress—all-hours communication, no time for yourself, endless tasks that can be streamlined, lack of a support system, and blaming yourself for not getting enough done.
By taking these steps, you’ll protect your mental health and learn how to respond instead of react to everything happening around you.ettings.
1. Block time for yourself.
2. Use the tools.
3. Set communication parameters and boundaries early on.
4. Build break time into the event schedule.
5. Praise yourself.
6. Don’t go at it alone.
7. Reach out for help.
For more details about how Eventgroove can make managing your event easier, visit us here, or schedule a one-on-one demo of the platform with our team!
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