We all need to look after our mental health, especially those of us who are involved in modelling.
Working within the industry can result in a rollercoaster of emotions – from the highs and extreme elation after winning an assignment and completing a successful shoot to the lows of having little or no work for a period of time.
This is the nature of the job and it can cause models and aspiring models to feel frustrated, rejected and insecure in the face of competition.
At Models Direct, we are also only too aware of the pressures many people feel around their perceived body image – they compare themselves to others and this can leave them with low self-esteem.
There are also times when models – like those in all areas of work – struggle to feel motivated and to push themselves forward and promote themselves to the full.
They may find it hard to summon the enthusiasm to update their e-portfolio regularly, for example, or to see if they can generate leads themselves for modelling work.
We understand how hard it can be but looking after your mental health is important.
Here is our advice on how to be kind to yourself and to alleviate some of the stress associated with this industry:
1. Be prepared for a mixture of emotions – there will be times you feel up and times you feel down and this is perfectly normal.
2. Try not to compare yourself to others. Our clients seek a range of models to take part in their commercials, campaigns and promotions. As a result, we want people of all shapes, sizes, ages and looks. Be proud of the way you look and give it a go!
3. Expect to have stretches of time where you are not offered assignments. Our clients are very precise in their requests. We cannot offer them a 20-year-old redhead if they have asked for a 50-year-old brunette. But to be in with a chance when they do ask for someone like you, you have to be on our books.
4. Make sure you eat, sleep and exercise in a regular, balanced and healthy way. Keeping yourself in good physical shape will have an impact on your mental health and help you to cope better with life’s lower moments.
5. Ensure you give yourself time for some of the pleasures in life, whether that is spending time with your friends, and family, indulging in your favourite pastimes or even just having a long soak in a hot bubble bath or treating yourself to a pyjama day every now and then.
6. Be kind to yourself: aim high but don’t set yourself unachievable goals. Remind yourself that everyone fails sometimes and that no-one has a perfect life, despite outward appearances.
7. If you do feel low for any prolonged periods of time, tell your partner, friends and family. It helps to talk about it, and we all need support from others. If you start to feel really depressed, make an appointment to speak to your GP. Don’t be worried about asking for professional help. Sometimes a little advice and support from the experts can be exactly what you need to help you get back on track and to start feeling better about life in general.
