Poor Mental Health in the Animation Industry: Causes and Solutions

Credit: Khara Woods (Unsplash)

The topic of mental health and work-life balance in the animation industry is nowhere near new. Yet, in spite of the concept’s age, this positive work environment is still heavily stigmatised.

In a study about Occupational Stress in the Animation Industry by Pisapati, it was found that team members tended to experience “various mental health problems like Anxiety, Insomnia, Depression, Psycho-Somatic Disorders etc.”

What are the factors that influence the mental states of animators—and from both individual and industrial point of views—what are the steps to be taken against this?

Why are animators likely to have poor mental health?

A common reason is poor work satisfaction, and this could be due to various problems that arise due to the company’s work culture. Let’s dig deeper.

Crunch Culture

A rising issue in multiple industries, including the animation industry, is ‘crunch culture’. This usually refers to employees continuously attending unreasonably long working hours to meet impossible deadlines, which can be both physically and mentally taxing.

Poor sleep, not being physically active, and constant high levels of stress can take a toll on your body. Chronic insomnia could lead to fluctuations in weight, hypertension, and diabetes—while brain fog and impaired memory could lead to accidents at work.

Demotivation

Demotivation can heavily impact an individual’s mental health in the long term. Causes could vary significantly from person to person, but a likely demotivator is underpayment. According to a survey done on the Japanese animation industry by NAFCA.jp, animators are underpaid.

The study found that around 37.7% of the surveyed animators make less than 200,000 yen ($1,320) monthly—while the median monthly salary in Japan was 329,859 yen ($2,200). In Alderfer’s 1969 human need theory, pay falls under “Existence” needs—a category of the bare minimum requirements, which promise demotivation when it is failed to be met.

Understaffed Studios

When studios or projects have insufficient workforce, it’s inevitable for workers to have to cover more ground to meet deadlines. As a result, individuals spread themselves thin by bearing the burdens of workloads meant for two or more people.

This employee experience may eventually be leading to higher stress and lack of sleep, symptoms not dissimilar to the previously mentioned crunch culture. Additionally, the team in a studio would have less available time to support each other and create a positive work culture.

It is clear that the mental conditions of animators influence productivity, efficiency and turnover rates, and it’s likely for this to impact the growth of a business. But it is important to not only acknowledge this issue from a corporate standpoint, but also from an empathetic point of view. Only then can sincere efforts be made, and in turn, change can be implemented sustainably and effectively.

How can we improve mental health in the animation industry?

Credit: Jeremy Thomas (Unsplash)

The Individual: Practise Personal Wellness

Before discussing potential ways companies could change for the better, the importance of individuals putting effort into caring for their mental health should not be ignored. As animators, how can you ensure better mental health while pursuing a career in the animation industry?

Find Balance

By introducing self-care into your routine, mental health can become manageable. Essentially, it is important to set realistic personal goals and expectations. Don’t overpromise—be honest about your abilities, but avoid underestimating yourself either.

Most importantly, ask yourself why you have set the goals you have. Are the reasons superficial or for your own growth? Remove or replace the standards you have set for yourself if they were based on an external party. This way, you are in control.

Exercise Your Creative Freedom 

Your mental health does not cease to matter outside of work either. Consequently, self-care should still be practised in your free time. This is not limited to indulgence but could extend to further explorations of art.

Engage in creation outside of work, as an outlet, but also as a reminder of why you have chosen this field. When what you’re passionate about starts to feel like a chore or a daunting task, consider visiting it in a context outside the pressures of work.

Seeking support is just as valid as other options. Confiding in friends and family, or getting professional help, does not make an individual weak. It takes a different kind of courage to reach out!

The Industry: Care for Your People

Credit: Dylan Gillis

Provide Support for your Artists

The best way to prevent poor mental health in the animation industry workplace is to instill a people-centric company culture. Prioritise looking at your artists as people instead of just their work, and success will follow suit.

Cultivating transparency between teammates, conducting more training, providing team-building activities or one-on-one sessions, and taking actions against obstacles that prevent artists from performing their best. Not only will this improve employees' performance, but these will also provide opportunities for growth and motivation as the artists are listened to and supported. This could also make a difference in their mental health.

Address Prolonged Understaffing Issues

It is advisable for companies to quickly sort out any understaffing problems in the animation industry. While it’s true that the hiring process is costly, and can take time and effort (screening, onboarding and training)—but it is a worthy investment.

When workloads are spread more evenly and reasonably, your artists are likely to be happier. They’d have more time on their hands to spend on both their mental health and the quality of their work.

Notably, it’s important to be able to gain more insight into your team’s mental health, to ensure that they aren’t overloaded with work, as well as if it is distributed equally. Using a project management tool, such as TESSR, will help you cover this area with its Insights feature.

It is undeniable that as a company grows larger, it gets harder to manage and maintain a people-oriented work environment. But so long as effort is put into working towards healthier workplace conditions, mental health in the animation industry should not depreciate majorly.

Conclusion

Remember to treat yourself kindly—there are certain issues that are outside of your control. To make it clear, these were only suggestions and not foolproof methods to ‘solve’ mental health in the animation industry. It doesn’t matter if you’re an individual or an animation studio owner, if we work collectively, we could pave new norms in the creative industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is poor mental health common in the animation industry?

Tight deadlines, long working hours, and burnt-out and exhausted employees are some complaints we hear from the industry. Moreover, the animation industry often demands that animators produce high-quality work and creative perfection, sometimes with little recognition or fair compensation.

How can I tell if I'm experiencing burnout as an animator?

There are some signs of burnout, such as constant fatigue, demotivation, forgetfulness, and self-doubt about the art you create. The signs can also be seen physically, from insomnia or having trouble sleeping and breakouts to recurring headaches. Therefore, it is important to prioritise work-life balance to give yourself boundaries from work and maintain your self-care.

What daily habits can help animators maintain better mental health?

Animators and creatives are encouraged to take regular breaks during work, maintain physical activities, and healthy sleep schedules to maintain focus and energy levels. Additionally, practising mindfulness like meditation and enjoying some hobbies outside the creative industry can also help maintain better mental health.

Author Bio 

From Malaysia, Leia Emeera is a writer at TESSR, and a published author. She has been putting pen to paper ever since she learned how to, and has an anthology to her name, titled 'Ten'. Leia loves music, games and her beloved labrador retriever, George. She aims to further her studies in English Literature and Creative Writing the moment her gap year ends. 'Till then, you will find her sitting behind a desk, writing with TESSR.   

Connect with her on LinkedIn: Leia Emeera