The aesthetics industry is fast-paced, patient-facing, and often high-pressure, which means staff wellbeing can easily slip under the radar until struggles become harder to manage. Independent nurse prescriber and life coach Anna Miller shares how managers can support staff who are struggling with their mental health.
The role of a manager is crucial, often making the difference between staff feeling supported or alone.
Traditionally, we’ve spoken about mental health, but this language can feel heavy or clinical. I often prefer to frame it as mind health because, just like physical health, our state of mind fluctuates daily, and with the right awareness and support, it can be strengthened.
Normalise the conversation
Staff need to know it’s safe to speak up; it’s also important to treat mental health as you would physical health. Speaking openly, in everyday conversation, reduces stigma- which makes it easier for people to share their concerns before things escalate.
Recognise the signs
Mental health struggles aren’t always obvious; they often show up as irritability, withdrawal, mistakes, or lack of focus. Managers who spot these early signs can step in with support before pressure turns into burnout.
Provide clarity and reassurance
Uncertainty fuels anxiety; clear communication around roles and expectations gives stability. It is equally as important to respond appropriately, taking a moment to pause and think before acting reassures staff, while sudden or inconsistent decisions can feel unsettling.
Encourage breaks and boundaries
Staff may skip breaks, stay late, or never switch off. The aesthetics industry can be a demanding role, and employees can be left feeling overwhelmed. Managers can help by modelling good habits, reminding staff to rest, and reassuring them that recovery is part of the job. Setting healthy boundaries is one of the simplest ways to ease pressure.
Practice active listening
When someone is struggling, being heard is often more powerful than being “fixed”. Active listening means paying attention to their tone and emotion and resisting the urge to interrupt. Allowing someone to finish and create their own space to talk helps them feel truly acknowledged and supported.
Explore perception
A team member may feel that they do everything and that no one helps, which can quickly lead to overwhelm, even if the reality is different. Helping people notice the role perception plays can ease pressure and reduce feelings of being trapped.
Encourage resilience
It’s easy to forget that tough feelings pass. Gently reminding staff that their state of mind will shift helps them reconnect with their own resilience and stops struggles from feeling permanent.
Signpost professional support
It is important to remember that managers are not therapists. Sometimes the best support is encouraging staff to seek professional help, whether through a GP, counsellor, or helpline. Having resources at hand ensures no one feels left without options.
Final thoughts
Supporting staff mental health doesn’t mean solving every problem; it means creating an environment of respect, empathy, and steady leadership. For managers, one of the most powerful actions is to pause, reflect, and respond with intention. Calm leadership steadies the team and shows staff they’re never alone in their struggles. When people feel seen, supported, and truly listened to, they thrive - and so does the clinic.
Anna Miller
Anna Miller is a registered nurse, independent nurse prescriber, life coach, and co-founder of the Ardour Clinic. Miller brings a holistic perspective to the wellness and beauty industry, providing personalised care that goes beyond traditional aesthetic treatments.
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