*Trigger warning: This episode touches on the topics of mental health, suicide, substance abuse, bullying, and therapy. Please listen with caution.

Over the past month, we partnered with the Behind the Scenes charity to share their resources on Mental Health First Aid, suicide prevention, bystander intervention, and more for Mental Health Awareness Month. On this week's episode, we're joined by Behind the Scenes' Executive Director, Lori Rubinstein to chat about Behind the Scenes' available industry resources, the unique mental pressures of the industry, how we can assist those in need of mental health support, and more.

The Behind the Scenes charity issues grants to entertainment technology professionals in need due to serious illness or injury that may be used for basic living or medical expenses. The charity also provides counseling grants to assist with the costs of seeing a therapist or in-patient or out-patient rehab.

The BTS Mental Health Initiative provides tools and resources that support entertainment industry workers to promote mental health and wellness.

Behind the Scenes is funded entirely by our industry helping to care for each other through donations, holding fundraising events, or becoming a Pledge-of-Support Partner. Their Ghostlight Groups initiative provides a way for you to support your colleagues in need and build community while doing what you enjoy, whether it’s riding a bicycle or a motorcycle, running, baking, watching movies, or any other way you like to spend your time.

To learn more about Behind the Scenes and their mental health tools and resources click here.

More information on the July Bystander Intervention Webinar can be found here.

TECHnically Speaking is a public service of USITT, which seeks to have a broad conversation on topics of interest to its members, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of Institute policy. The views expressed on this podcast by guests are their own and their appearance herein does not imply an endorsement of them or of any entity they may represent. Reference to any specific product or idea does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Views, opinions, recommendations or use cases expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of USITT, its Board members or employees.