The statistics don't lie. Mental health problems are a major issue across the globe, affecting people from all walks of life. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately one in five adults in the United States (about 43.8 million people) experiences mental illness in a given year. This includes conditions such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, among others.
Unfortunately, the beauty and barbering industries are no exception when it comes to mental health problems. In fact, working in the beauty industry can be a particularly high-stress job, with unique challenges that can take a toll on your mental wellbeing.
Let's take a closer look at the state of mental health among workers in the beauty and barbering industries, as well as what you can do to help yourself and others during difficult times.
First and foremost, it's important to understand that mental health problems can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, occupation, or financial standing. While genetics may play a role in the development of depression, environmental factors such as abuse, alienation, grief, or other personal problems can also contribute to its onset.
Working in the beauty and barbering industries can be challenging, but it can also be a highly rewarding career. You get to help people look and feel their best, which can be incredibly fulfilling. The beauty industry is also constantly evolving, so there is always something new to learn and explore.
That being said, the beauty industry does come with its unique blend of stressors that can impact mental health. You may face:
Keep an eye out for these stressors and remember that having a healthy support system or relying on positive mental health practices at work can significantly improve your experience.
It's essential to understand the difference between "feeling down" and the clinical diseases of depression and anxiety. People tend to use the term "depressed" whenever they feel sad or down, but this is a misuse of the term. There is a significant difference between a bad mood and experiencing clinical depression.
Similarly, anxiety disorder is a term that is often overused. While it's normal to feel anxious before a big event or when dealing with a difficult client, anxiety can become a disorder when the feelings are out of proportion to the original stressor and/or don't go away after the stressful situation.
Symptoms of depression may include unexplained feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, loss of interest in daily activities, changes in appetite or sleep routine, anger or irritability, problems with concentration, loss of energy, unexplained aches and pains, self-loathing, strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt, reckless behavior, such as alcohol abuse, and even suicidal thoughts.
Anxiety disorders can also have a significant impact on your mental wellbeing. Symptoms of anxiety may include excessive worry or fear, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors, avoidance of situations that cause anxiety, physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, or rapid heartbeat, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and fatigue.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to seek professional help. You're not alone, and there are resources available to help you manage your mental health.
If you work in the beauty or barbering industry and are struggling with your mental health, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and improve your wellbeing:
Working in the beauty and barbering industries can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, but it's important to recognize the potential impact on your mental health. By understanding the symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders, and taking steps to manage your mental wellbeing, you can prioritize your own health and happiness, and continue to provide quality service to your clients. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and there are resources available to support you on your mental health journey.
Booksy is proud to support barbering and beauty pros with everything they need to manage their business, create healthy habits and boss up.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - https://www.nami.org/
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - https://www.samhsa.gov/https://www.samhsa.gov/
Mental Health America - https://www.mhanational.org/
Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
BetterHelp - https://www.betterhelp.com/
Talkspace - https://www.talkspace.com/
Psychology Today - https://www.psychologytoday.com/
American Psychological Association - https://www.apa.org/
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml
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