One of the common problems that professional models face is mental health disorders. Many of them try to manage the effects that come with it alongside their career.

In this post, you will learn some of these signs so that you can seek more help or assist a model to get proper mental health treatment.

Sleep problems

When you are unable to sleep the right way, it might be a sign of poor mental health. You may either struggle with sleeping too much or not getting much sleep.

Some researchers have opined that sleeping too much may suggest struggling with depression, while not getting enough sleep might be a sign of anxiety.  

Isolation

Another way to know when someone is struggling with mental health disorders is when they prefer to remain isolated. Even though it may seem normal to crave your personal space, there’s still a part of us that yearns to be around people on some occasions.

However, if such a person has completely shut out all opportunities to be where people are, they might be having mental health problems.

Emotional outbursts

Having frequent mood changes is another warning sign of poor mental health. It is quite regular for people to have different moods, but when they are often dramatic or sudden, then something might be wrong with the individual’s mental health.

Feeling depressed

Any professional model who is struggling with depression may lack the needed drive to do their regular activities. They might lose motivation and interest, and you may find them teary-eyed from time to time.

Addiction problems

Many people with mental illnesses are also struggling with one form of addiction or the other. Some of them with a vibrant career path like modeling may have been forced to take a break because of the state of their health.

Getting help from the right treatment center is the first step to restoring your mental health to its optimal functioning capacity.

Professional models are among the most influential individuals in society. Due to the nature of their career, many people perceive them to be flawless and perfect.

However, many of them are facing silent battles that we are unaware of. One of these battles is addiction.

Some professional models are struggling with different types of addiction, and they still manage to show up each time.  

The good part is, there are some addiction treatment tips that they can undergo to get their lives back on track.

Counseling

Counseling is important for addiction treatment irrespective of the type or how severe it is. During counseling, a therapeutic alliance is formed between the counselor and the professional model. This makes it easier for the model to trust the counselor that they have their best interests at heart.

The counselor provides the model with optimal support that will boost their recovery in the long run.

Additionally, the counselor helps to establish a relapse prevention plan to help the model sustain their sobriety permanently.

Detoxification

If the model is struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, then detoxification is an important treatment phase that they need to go through.

Detoxification is essential in eliminating the accumulation of unwanted addictive substances in the body. Some of these substances can cause unpleasant and dangerous physical symptoms.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most effective treatment tools because it is valuable in different addiction types.

With CBT, you can spot your unhealthy patterns, and identify addiction cravings and triggers. Also, CBT can be used with other therapeutic techniques to make your treatment holistic.

Medication

Treatment with medication can play a pivotal role when it is combined with some behavioral therapies. Some medications can reduce addiction cravings, and improve mood. Usually, the therapist recommends the right medications that will help fight off addiction in a healthy way.

If you are a professional model or you know someone struggling with any type of addiction, it is best to see a medical professional instead of fighting the battle silently. With the addiction treatment mentioned above, you can overcome your addiction.

One’s mental health is of great importance as the toll of everyday life wears on each individual differently. As a result, a number of triggers – and/or factors – can cause one to feel overwhelmed, and/or led down a path of addiction. 

In fact, “Substance abuse and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety are closely linked, and while some substance abuse can cause prolonged psychotic reactions, one does not directly cause the other. However: Alcohol and drugs are often used to self-medicate the symptoms of mental health problems.”

Consequently, turning to substance abuse once when one begins to experience a high level of emotion can open up the door to addiction – and/or create an opportunity for it to latch on to that particular individual. Some of the most common ways that this takes place is through work stress, financial stress, and/or environmental stress, etc. 

Such factors can make it hard for the addict to get by because of what he/she has undergone mentally. One example of this can be seen if the person who is faced with addiction dislikes his/her career, and has been at a place where he/she feels miserable, overlooked, and/or something similar. This can then cause the person to crack mentally from the weight – and/or pressure – that he/she experiences each day while at work. 

Fortunately, one can be free from addiction when he/she seeks out the necessary and needed help. In doing so, he/she is able to regain control of his/her mental health with the aid of a medical professional – and/or even certain forms of therapy, among other treatment options. Here, the person can gain a better understanding as to why he/she feels the way he/she feels, and what the primary cause(s) of that might be. 

In conclusion, one does not have to be trapped in an addiction-filled life but can experience an addiction-free one instead, when he/she begins to seek help. Inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, support groups, and other such things are available based on the severity of the individual’s addiction, and to fit the individual’s schedule and lifestyle as well. This makes it a whole lot easier for the person to stick with his/her plan/goal and make a change to his/her overall health, without having to pull themselves completely away from the people – and/or family – that he/she loves the most. 

Models face all sorts of issues in their industry, and the need for counseling to be integrated into their structure is very important. For every modeling brand or team, it is important that there is a counseling unit to cater for the mental health needs of all the models under its care.

Due to the fact that models are in the eye of the public, you can correctly guess that much is expected from them. So, there would be lots of commendations and criticisms from their fans and critics alike.

For instance, a model could perform optimally today, and receive lots of praises from everyone. While him or she could perform below standard, and receive lots of harsh words from the public.

A good number of times, these words get to the models and it makes them anxious and depressed against their next performance. This is where the counselor comes into play. If there is no counselor, there is a likely chance that the model would resort to substance abuse to boost his or her confidence.

However, a counselor teaches you how to perform better without the use of any substance. If the model has been abusing either drugs or alcohol, it is still the responsibility of the counselor to make sure that the model gets back on track.

Also, a counselor is in the best position to offer words of encouragement and motivation to a model who is dejected. Certainly, the disposition of a model can never remain the same after a visit to a counselor. The reason for this is, counselors are highly trained professionals who are well versed in psychology.

So, they know the reason for all sorts of feelings, thoughts and emotions and they teach us how to manage them effectively.

Conclusively, the place of a counseling in the modeling industry should not be left void because it contributes largely to the short-term and long-term success of the models.

When it comes to the addiction process, it is no respecter of persons, and this applies to models.

Substance addiction is simply a condition whereby an individual is hooked on the intake of either drugs or alcohol, for the purpose of satisfying their pleasure. It is possible for an individual to be addicted to both alcohol and drugs at the same time.

It is unpleasant for a model to be addicted to substances but the fact is, most times they cannot help it. Due to the fact that models are in the limelight, there is a lot that needs to be put in place, so that they do not fall out of favor with their fans and the public at large.

One of the major reasons why models are addicted to substances is because of stress. Now, models spend lots of hours undergoing series of preparations.

The reason for this is because they can come out presentable and nice-looking for either a runway or a photo session. So, they need to give it their best shot to ensure it comes out nice.

Now, spending much time getting prepared is often stressful, and models have barely little time to rest.

For the professional ones who have gone far in the industry, their schedules are usually tight, and they might have little ample time to refresh themselves. This is why some of them have been misled to rely on either drugs or alcohol for refreshment.

Truth be told, it feels better at first, but the seemingly positive benefits are only in the short run, because it fades out fast.

Also, another reason why models are addicted is stage-fright and lack of confidence. This particularly happens to runway models.

Some of them find it difficult to face the crowd, and to save their face, they would prefer to take something that would boost their morale. Often times, they take drugs or alcohol to achieve this purpose.

It is very essential for a model to watch his or her health with an Eagle eye. The modelling profession is a very demanding one, and asides the fact that models are expected to exhibit their charisma and charm, their physique is equally important.

When models take healthy diet, exercise on a regular basis, their bodies would definitely perform optimally.

Now, models need to be watchful of what they eat. They can take raw foods and take other nutritious forms of proteins instead of animal fat. It is also beneficial for models to take juices too, because there are lots of nutrients that the stomach takes in.

Basically, food is fuel for our body, being our major energy source. Hence, when our bodies are fueled with the best types of food, they would definitely react in a beneficial way. Therefore, for a model, their skin would become more radiant, their hair would shine, and detoxification would occur more freely.

Asides the physical benefits, taking a healthy diet and regular exercise enhances the mood of a model, which is equally important. For a model, he or she would not experience unpleasant aches that was experienced in the past.

When models go for auditions, clients would typically want to see the best and vibrant side of you. So, it is best for a model to put on a good mood at all times, and a healthy diet with frequent exercise would prevent this.

There are some models who are of the opinion that they need to starve themselves, so that their physique would come out nice.

However, provided you maintain a good diet, or you see a nutritionist for help, you would eat right and have a good stature. The same goes for sticking to an exercise regimen that would help to keep your body in good shape.

To wrap it up, maintaining a good diet and exercising regularly are basic tips that professional models need to follow strictly for a successful career.

Substance addiction could also imply substance abuse, since it also means the excessive usage of substance. Substance abuse is simply the act of using a substance without prescription from a medical personnel. It could otherwise be known as drug abuse. Drug abuse is popularly known to be the use of illegal drugs or the excessive use of legal drugs, which results to an overdose and also wrong drug usage.

Drugs in this case is not limited to the antibiotics and pain killers that we are used to. It refers to any substance (with the exemption of food that provides nutritional upkeep) that when smoked, absorbed, injected, inhaled, or consumed through a patch on the skin, or passed through the mouth, is capable of causing a temporary physiological and psychological change in the body system, either negative or positive.

Professional models are popular public performers that are basically engaged in the promotion and advertisement of commercial products and services, through body-part, fashion, fine art, glamour etc. Some of the medications or substance that professional models are liable to get addicted to could include alcohol, heroin, tobacco, cocaine, opioid pain reliever amongst others.

PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH SUBSTANCE ADDICTION

Such addictions as previously listed could be caused by various incidences, some of them could be anxiety depression, pain, chronic illness amongst others. Substance addiction could be very disadvantageous and detrimental for models, as it could lead to public disgrace, bad reputation, trust issues, death etc. Due to the risk of this, models are encouraged and implored to beware of it and consciously regulate the intake of such substance.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF ADDICTION FOR PROFESSIONAL MODELS

In order for models to checkmate this addiction, there are some symptoms that should be consciously checked. Some of them may include, dizziness, fatigue, mood changes, anxiety and depression. In the case of a chronic addiction to drugs and other substances such as alcohol, it might not be quite easy to withdraw from such addiction.

A sudden withdrawal is not advisable as it requires a gradual process, because it is capable of resulting in some life threatening withdrawal symptoms. Sudden withdrawal from substance addiction can create cold and aggressive shivering, sweating, seizures, sudden heart failure etc.

There are also some risk factors that can increase the chances of developing problem with substance abuse, some are long-term tobacco intake, loneliness and boredom, sleeping issues, mental health issues, disability stress and the likes.

It is recommended to seek the services of a Florida Detox Center for help withdrawing from alcohol or drugs. The professionals at a center in Florida, know exactly what to do and are able to medically supervise the whole process.

Eating disorders in general can be in different forms, and can take different shapes and patterns. It can be in forms like malnutrition, excessive food intakes, and also excessive intake of a particular class of food or recipe. The nature of the food we take in, determines to a large extent how healthy we will be.

SOME EATING DISORDERS THAT MAY BE AT THE DISADVANTAGE OF A MODEL

MALNUTRITION

Malnutrition is an eating pattern that exists when a person is being fed or nurtured with little or no nutritional standards of food intake, thereby resulting to an abnormal body build-up. As a professional model, some of these things are essential and are not to be treated with levity.

When people keep good nutritional standards and adhere to some nutritional principles, the implication is that they begin to develop and maintain a healthy body structure, which would make the person look very fit and healthy. Such a body maintenance strategy is needed for a model to carry out the duties and daily activities as the profession requires. Therefore, it is quite important for a model to keep good nutritional standards as it will serve as an advantage for the person in the long-run.

EATING HABIT

Talking about how people eat with reference to the manner at which food is being taken, a high rate of comportment and composure for models, is very key and important. Models are public figures and they would surely have reasons to be present in public gatherings, and as a result of that, the manner at which they handle their eating habit should be ideal. A bad eating habit exhibited by a model can taint the image of such model leading to public disgrace.

VOLUME AND TYPE OF FOOD INTAKE

Apart from the nutritional criteria which a model needs to keep fit and stay healthy, the eating habit needs to be constantly checked and corrected if not right, in order to maintain comportment and avoid public disgrace.

The quantity or volume and type of food that is being eaten also needs consistent check. When a person takes too much of sugary and fatty foods it could lead to diabetes, obesity and the likes, this means that the person will become prone to diseases and infections, which is not good for a model. Asides the unhealthy state of the person, it will make the person lose form and shape, which is also not advantageous to a model.

CONTEMPORARY PROFESSIONAL MODELLING

Models are social figures who are used in promoting an advert for a commercial product. They serve as an attraction to the adverts of branded products and services. They also display their professional skills via works of art, short multimedia videos, photography amongst others.

Professional modelling is usually considered different form other types of public performance, such as dancing, acting and the likes. However, the difference between such public performances are not quite apparent, partaking in a play or a film cannot in anyway be generalized and directly referred to as “modelling”.

A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF ADDICTION

Addiction on the other hand is a neurological brain realignment that is usually characterized by a compelling and gripping engagement to activities. It is a physical and psychological attachment to some activities that are created in the human brain, and according to findings, addiction is an act that results from frequent participation in an activity till it becomes a norm or a habit.

It can be physical and also non-physical. Addictions do not necessarily mean immoral acts as classified by the society, to include any activity that an individual in obsessed with. It could also arise from peer group influence.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MODELLING AND ADDICTION

Professional models in this contemporary time are featured and displayed in a variety of media designs and formats such as television, newspapers, books, journals, films, internet and magazines. Types of professional modelling can include glamour, fashion, body-part, fine art, advertisement and commercial-print modelling. Looking at the perspective of the public exposure that in involved in modeling, models are relatively prone to being caught up with some addictions knowingly or unknowingly in comparison to other professions.

The nature of the modelling profession has a way of exposing people that are involved in it, to social activities, thereby making models prone to being addicted with some societal activities such as taking of alcoholic drinks, smoking, intake of some popularly known hard drugs such as cocaine, and so on.

SOLUTION TO THE ADDICTION FACED BY PROFESSIONAL MODELS

Getting addicted as earlier explained could be due to consistent practice of such activity to the extent that it becomes a hobby or norm. When models steadily and regularly partake in social activities as required by their profession, they may likely become relatively predisposed or liable to being addicted to them.

However, where a problem arises there will definitely be a remedy to correct it. Models only need be consciously cautious of the frequency of how they engage in such activities that they may likely become addicted to, and invest the time in other productive activities.

Models seem to have everything going on fine for them, what the rest of the world does not know is, a number of them are “big-time” victims of a poor mental health. However on the outside, everything looks glamorous, with some fans even working on replicating their lifestyles in every possible way. The models in question cannot begin to narrate what they have been through for as long as their mental health problem came into play. They understand how important their public image is, and hence, this problem must be concealed at all times.

The mental health of a models is a huge cause for concern, as the modelling industry is one which can create uncertainties and anxieties. For young models who are new in the industry, they must learn now to tackle this head-on, in order to adjust better when the going gets tough.

FACTORS WHICH CAUSE MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS IN THE MODELLING WORLD

ENDLESS REJECTION: One of the regular causes of mental health problems in models, is the endless rejection. No matter how good the result is, irrespective of the modelling category, criticism and rejection are bound to occur. This duo regularly affects models and shrinks their confidence, younger models are at greater risk of this.

THE SOCIAL MEDIA: For models, the number of followers on their social media accounts could be hurtful owing to the fact that they are expected to have plethora of followers. A lot of models crave attention from their fans on the social media and once they don’t receive such on a regular diet, the pain starts eating into them, which eventually leads to insecurity.

DISPOSABILITY: Models are aware of the fact that in the modelling world, no one is really indispensable. There would be a time when younger models would replace the older ones, and the cycle goes on and on in the same way. Hence, awaiting when you would no longer be relevant often causes uneasiness. As new faces emerge in the modelling world, the older faces see this as a threat which cannot be combatted, and hence mental health problem sets in.

For successful models in the modelling world, sharing their story and experience openly, would encourage and motivate models who are still actively engaged. Also, models who are struggling with mental health problems are advised to visit a health specialist before it gets out of hand.