Putting your health first

Sitting down to write this issue's editorial for the Journal of Aesthetic Nursing, I began to think about what is important, not only to aesthetic nurses, doctors and dentists, but in a wider sense. Passion, drive and competence are necessary traits in all roles, but especially in the aesthetics sector. Additionally, in a more personal sense, we all value those around us and closest to us: our family and friends. However, to maintain these relationships and continue with the work that our roles and careers require, our health is crucial. Over the past year, we have all heard non-stop about physical health concerns or, more accurately, the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, highlighting and discussing the influence of the pandemic on mental health and wellness is somewhat neglected, despite its effect on eating disorders (Marsh, 2021), the burnout that nurses, doctors and other medical personnel are experiencing (Gillett and Wright, 2021) and the increase in depression and anxiety among the general population (Bibby, 2021).