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).
So, in this special Ethics in Aesthetics issue of JAN, it seems fitting to discuss the wonderful articles from a range of talented professionals that are featured in this issue. Exploring the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder, Eda Gorbis and Rebecca Braverman look at the data from during the past year and recommend precautions that medical aesthetic practitioners should take to continue keeping patients safe (page 248).
Elsewhere, Dr Amiee Vyas discusses how the standard of care that is provided to the ever-growing diverse patient population in the aesthetics sector can be improved, the steps towards tackling colourism and the clinician's role in improving diversity in the aesthetics sector (page 264).
In the practice management section of this issue, Adam Bernstein, in collaboration with Helen Mitchell, Tom Neil and Emma Kearns, details how clinics can create a more equal workplace and the roles that neurodivergent individuals can fill (page 278).
Our Ethics in Aesthetics campaign was created to assist in the continued fight for a regulated industry and to increase the voices of those who envision a better aesthetics industry that puts patients first. Hearing the repeated horror stories of lay groups performing these medical treatments, while not always surprsing, can be exhausting. However, the Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners have received over 500 responses to their 10-point plan, which is brilliant to hear, and you can read more about this on page 270.
We have all heard the airline advice of seeing to your own oxygen mask in the case of an accident, but remember: that goes for your mental health, too. You need to look after yourself first and foremost before you can help others—spend quality time with family and friends, take some time out if you need to and look out for your peers. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.