Taking care of others is at the heart of every healthcare professional’s responsibilities. However, many of you don’t make time to prioritise your wellbeing and take care of your own mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has put healthcare workers 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.
Vicki is our Mental Health Clinical Specialist and she’s shared 5 practical tips on how to prioritise your mental wellbeing during this difficult time:
There are also lots of support services and resources that you can access when you are ready to prioritise your wellbeing.
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 and they currently have funding until January 2022.
COVID-19 and your mental health
A dedicated hub for nurses with plenty of resources and guidance to support your mental wellbeing during the pandemic. Also, if you have to self-isolate, we have some tips to help you look after your mental health.
The INMO ‘Let’s talk about it’ digital hub
Online resources including webinars and information on mental health support (from one-to-one counselling to self-directed courses on building resilience and managing stress).
The HSE Staff Wellbeing Hub
A hub for healthcare workers to support them with their mental health.
The National Wellbeing Hub
Offers resources to assist you in managing stress and anxiety. They have a lot of free apps that you can download here, this includes:
NHS24
NHS24 has created a mental health helpline for all health and social care workers. This is available 24/7 on 0800 111 4191
The Scottish Association for Mental Health
A dedicated helpline which is available Monday-Friday 09.00-18.00 on 0344 800 0500
The HSC
Has implemented psychological helplines for all health and social care workers for each trust with opening hours of Monday-Friday 09.00-17.00. Please see the contact numbers below:
Lifeline
The Northern Ireland crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing distress or despair. Lifeline counsellors are available 24/7 to listen and help on 0808 808 8000.