Taking care of others is at the heart of every healthcare professional’s responsibilities. Yet, many of you don’t make time to prioritise your wellbeing and take care of your own mental health. Over the past couple of years, healthcare workers have been put in unprecedented situations, having to make incredibly difficult clinical decisions and work under immense pressures.
If you feel overwhelmed, it is important to seek support. Talk to your colleagues, manager, family, or someone you trust about how you are feeling. You are not alone. Your colleagues are likely experiencing similar emotions and you can support each other through this.
Be compassionate and kind to yourself and others and remember, it’s OK not to be OK.
Here are 5 practical tips on how to prioritise your mental wellbeing:
There are also lots of support services and resources that you can access when needed.
The Cavell Nurses Trust
Assists nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants suffering personal or financial hardship. You can call Cavell on 01527 595 999.
Royal College of Nursing (RCN)
Offers a free counselling service for members. To access this counselling, call 0345 722 6100. The RCN also offers a specific trauma counselling service (0345 722 6100). This is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Samaritans
Offers dedicated helplines for health and social care workers throughout England and Wales. These are open every day 07.00-23.00 on the following numbers:
Just B
Just B has joined forces with Hospice UK to provide a counselling and trauma helpline for healthcare workers requiring support with bereavement, trauma and emotional support. The helpline is open every day from 08.00-20.00.
Mental Health at Work
This charity has teamed up with Shout, Samaritans, Mind, Hospice UK and the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to offer round-the-clock one-to-one support by call or text, and an abundance of resources.