7. Mental Health Stigmas and Jazz Icons
The intense demands of jazz performance and touring contributed to widespread mental health struggles among musicians—issues often shrouded in stigma. Figures like Thelonious Monk battled depression and erratic behavior, which sometimes led to isolation rather than support. Many artists suffered in silence, fearing damage to their careers if they sought treatment. Sources on Monk and mental health in the arts underscore how these unspoken battles shaped both lives and music.
