May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to focus on the importance of mental health. Recent data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) suggests that the US is facing an “unprecedented mental health crisis among people of all ages and backgrounds, including young children and older adults.” Put differently, SAMHSA writes, “if you were standing in a room full of people, at least one out of every five of those people likely experienced anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions in the last year.” This figure won’t likely surprise hairstylists who are often made to act as therapists and confidants for their clients, sometimes compromising their own well-being.
The good news is that the more that we talk about mental health, the more normalized these conversations become, which allows people to seek the help they need without stigma. As part of last month’s National Hairstylist Appreciation Day, The Hair Shop surveyed hairstylists, including celebrity hairstylists Sophie Rose Gutterman and Daniel Mora, and shared strategies they employ to preserve their own mental health with The Tease. Scroll for Sophie and Daniel’s advice!
Learn How to Set Boundaries
“To the stylist who is behind the chair, forgetting to eat, taking color clients after color clients, and having the same conversations every day. A lot of time it’s so easy to forget to put ourselves first in an industry where we are always taking care of others, says Sophie Rose Gutterman. She adds, “You need to remind yourselves to surround yourself with clients who bring you peace and respect your time. As stylists, we pour into our clients and our clients pour into you.”
Don’t Feel Guilty for Taking a Break
“Growing up I always felt like resting time was something to feel guilty about. If I have nothing going on for a day or two, I would find myself being extra negative towards myself,” says Daniel Mora. “It’s healthy to allow not just your body but your mind to rest. Therapy has really helped find peace and be present with my surroundings,” he added.
If you are struggling with your mental health, you are not alone. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis, dial or text 988 and get connected to a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is 100% free of charge, confidential, judgment free and support is available in both English and Spanish.
