World Mental Health Day was first celebrated on October 10, 1992, as an initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), a global mental health organization founded in 1948. The day was established to raise awareness about mental health issues around the world, advocate for better mental health care, and reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness.
And according to the World Health Organization (WHO), work-related stress is one of the most common forms of chronic stress. Studies show that 75% of Americans report feeling stressed at work, which contributes to burnout, absenteeism, and poor job performance.
Mental Health and the Beauty Pro
In an industry filled with caregivers and creatives, burnout can sometimes rear its ugly head. A hair care and styling brand that has been at the forefront of innovation in the beauty industry for decades, Sebastian Professional is committed to supporting stylists. Founded in the late 1970s, Sebastian Professional quickly became known for its boundary-pushing products, creativity, and dedication to empowering stylists. They continue that support with several initiatives timed for World Mental Health Day.
Born This Way
Lady Gaga’s personal advocacy for mental health, along with the foundation’s work, has helped raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues, making Born This Way Foundation a leading voice in youth empowerment and mental wellness.
Credit: Shadille Estepan, Born This Way Foundation
Stress can impact creativity, productivity, and overall quality of life. Sebastian Professional has partnered with Lady Gaga‘s Born This Way Foundation to encourage employees to prioritize their mental health and well-being, with the goal of 100% participation by the end of the year.
Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation was co-founded by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, in 2012. The foundation’s mission is to support the mental health and wellness of young people and to empower them to create a kinder and braver world. It was inspired by Lady Gaga’s personal experiences and her desire to address the mental health challenges faced by many young people, as well as to promote kindness, inclusion, and acceptance.
Sebastian is making a $50K donation to the organization, underscoring their commitment to keeping the program free and accessible for all. The brand hopes that by fostering open conversations around mental health, they can empower employees globally to be their best selves, leading to greater creativity and self-expression.
Beyond the donation, the partnership aims to highlight and drive participation in the Be There Certificate, a free online course that provides essential skills in recognizing and safely supporting mental health challenges and made available to all Sebastian Professional employees and their communities.
“At Sebastian Professional, we believe in beauty without boundaries, where everyone feels seen, heard and proud to express who they are. Supporting mental health is crucial to create a safe space to unlock creativity and build stronger, more engaged teams,” said Sebastian Professional’s Senior Vice President, Sylvie Biragnet. “Our partnership with Born This Way Foundation is a reflection of our values of creativity, self-expression, and inclusivity, and we are committed to fostering empathy and well-being in both our community and industry.”
Watch This Webinar: Nurturing Mental Health & Wellness for Beauty Professionals
MODERN SALON hosted a webinar tailored specifically for beauty professionals to address the topic of mental wellness. Throughout the webinar, beauty pros share their experience and insights and explore practical strategies for maintaining balance and vitality in the salon and beyond.
Panelists include Dawn Bradley, Creator of Rock Your Business and Podcast Host, “The Anxious Creative” and therapist Mckenzie Kool, Co-Founder, Indigrow Psychology.
Some of the topics discussed include:
- Dealing with Stress and Preventing Burnout
- Setting Boundaries, Managing Expectations
- Seeking Support, Fostering Community, and Breaking the Stigma
This webinar, available on demand, serves as reminder for beauty professionals to prioritize self-care and mental wellness.
For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.