[Updated] Beauty pros: where to turn for mental health support

As the industry becomes more aware of the impact mental health issues can have on beauty therapists' wellbeing and work performance, it's important to get to know the help and support available for staff and salon owners alike. In aid of World Mental Health Day (October 10), we round-up the best official sources for those looking for mental health support and how you can get in touch. 

Unfortunately, it's now more common for therapists to feel mentally exhausted and emotionally drained from their job, especially with the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognising burnout as a medical condition and emotional wellbeing retreats coming to the fore to help people deal with high levels of stress and anxiety. 

7 mental health resources for both those in employment and the self-employed:

• The NHS offers information and practical advice for anyone experiencing mental ill health.  
  
  

• Mind is the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. Its website provides information and support to empower anyone experiencing mental ill health and general advice on mental health-related law. It also offers a free guide designed to help employers support the mental health of their staff during the coronavirus pandemic.   
  
  

• Access to work can provide advice and an assessment of workplace needs if you have a disability or a long-term health condition, and are already in work or about to start. Grants may be available to help cover the cost of workplace adaptations to enable you to carry out your job without being at a disadvantage.
  
  

• Improved Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)/Wellbeing Services exist in all localities but there's not a single point of access. People are advised to check with their GP surgery to see if this may be available locally.
  
  

• Remploy offers a free and confidential Workplace Mental Health Support Service for those absent from work or finding work difficult because of a mental health condition. 
  
  

• Rethink Mental Illness is the largest national voluntary sector provider of mental health services, offering support groups, advice and information on mental health problems.
  
  

• Samaritans is a charity providing free and confidential over the phone support for people experiencing mental ill health.

If self-employed and unable to work because of illness, injury or disability, the following benefits may be available: 

• Employment and Support Allowance
  
  
• Working Tax Credit - if you were receiving it before you became unable to work you will be able to carry on getting it for up to 28 weeks
  
  
• Personal Independence Payment. 

There are other unrelated benefits that someone may become entitled to or be eligible for an increase in because of a change in income:

• Housing Benefit if living in a rented property
  
  
• Support with mortgage interest if entitled to Employment and Support Allowance
  
  
• Council Tax Support 
  
  
• Child Tax Credit if you have children
  
  
• Pension Credit if you are over Pension Credit age.

These are the initiatives you need to implement in your business to avoid therapist burnout.