The demands and responsibility of today’s society, life and personal turmoils challenge us all. While every individual has challenges, the impact of those challenges varies from one person to another. Some challenges are simply based on how we choose to look at life, which is an accurate statement to some extent. However, perception will always differ from person to person. It’s that distinction that may lead one person to a different conclusion than another. Suicide and severe depression are two of the more devastating conclusions.
In 2018, we were struck by the suicides of designer Kate Spade and chef Anthony Bourdain. The suicide of not just these two celebrities but others as well is prompting many beauty professionals to take a hard look at depression, stress, suicide and overall mental health. Beauty professionals are not exempt from the mounting pressures of life, and it can be incredibly difficult to manage it all. According to a report by the American Psychological Association, stress is on the rise.1 Beauty professionals need to make protecting and promoting positive mental health a priority for ourselves and others.
While specific information on mental health for spa and wellness professionals has not yet been researched, a broad federal study published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 2018 found men in construction had the highest incidents of suicide across occupations.2 Farmers, lumberjacks and fisherman were not far behind. Occupations in the arts, design, entertainment, sports and media were the jobs for women with the highest suicide rates. Factors such as job insecurity and lack of job control were all cited as factors that contributed to psychological distress and suicide. While many individuals outside the wellness community believe the work we perform to be among the least stressful of jobs, those working inside the profession know a different story. Financial pressures, working in the public eye, physical pressures and competition can create an emotional roller coaster ride for many of us. The mounting pressures of the job force some individuals into feeling helpless and powerless.
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Regina Tucker is a licensed esthetician and creative director of CRU-MM Skin + Beauty. She is also the blogger behind Beautifullyyoursmetro.com, the first lifestyle and motivational platform for skin care professionals. She has a master’s of science degree in human resources development and provides her professional insights regularly on consumer and professional platforms.
