We recognise that our work as doctors is challenging, and sometimes our wellbeing or health is impacted by our work and vice versa. Keeping well is important, and key activities to stay well include connecting with others, staying physically active, learning new skills, small acts of giving and kindness, and mindfulness – more information is here: NHS - 5 steps to mental wellbeing.
Informal support from those close to you can be invaluable - including family and friends, peers and colleagues.
There are also more formal support services available. In the first instance we recommend you speak to your Educational Supervisor who can signpost you to support appropriate for your situation. You may also wish to see what help is available locally on your employer’s intranet under health and wellbeing, occupational health, or human resources. The British Medical Association have a really useful directory for support services for wellbeing in specific circumstances (https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/your-wellbeing/wellbeing-support-services/sources-of-support-for-your-wellbeing), and the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges also has a useful directory of support available for doctors: https://www.aomrc.org.uk/past-publications/support-for-doctors/.
If you feel your wellbeing is having a significant impact on your training, you can self-refer to TDWS https://www.scotlanddeanery.nhs.scot/trainee-development-and-wellbeing-service/contact-us-trainee-form/ and we can arrange for you to meet with one of the experienced Associate Postgraduate Deans (APGDs) for confidential support around wellbeing, health, neurodivergence, exam support, careers advice and advice about less than full-time training.
Mental Health Support
Suicidal thoughts
If you need help for suicidal ideation or plans you are not alone. Although the feeling of pain is very real, this feeling is temporary and it will pass. Get to a safe space, be around others, avoid drugs and alcohol.
NHS support for mental health emergencies is available 24 hours, 7 days a week
During working hours, you can talk to your GP for support and advice. Out with normal GP opening hours you can contact NHS 24 (111) and choose the mental health option to be connected to the Mental Health Hub.
You can also call 999 or attend your local emergency department in the event of a mental health emergency at any time.
There are also third sector organisations that offer support and advice for people experiencing suicidal ideation
Samaritans is a free confidential helpline that offers advice and support to anyone struggling with their mental health. They also offer support for people concerned about the mental health of another person. You can call the Samaritans on 116 123. They also offer an email service if you’d prefer to write down how you’re feeling, email jo@samaritans.org
Breathing Space is also a free confidential helpline. You can call Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 at the following times: Monday-Thursday 6pm-2am, Friday-Monday 6pm-6am. Or visit the website breathingspace.scot
SHOUT crisis text line is a support service provided over text which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Text “SHOUT” to 85258
The Stay Alive app is a pocket suicide prevention resource for the UK, with useful information to help you stay safe. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide. Visit the website prevent-suicide.org.uk/find-help-now/stay-alive-app or find it on the App Store or Google Play.
For non-emergency mental health support
There are a number of options that you can access some of which are specifically tailored to medical professionals:
Practitioner Health is a confidential free NHS primary care mental health and addiction service with expertise in treating healthcare professionals.
BMA counselling and peer support services offers free and confidential 24/7 counselling and peer support line for all doctors and students. BMA membership is not required to access this service.
Doctors in Distress is a charity that provides free, confidential, specialist-led spaces where healthcare workers can come together and share their experiences, talk and listen to others in a similar situation. You do not have to be unwell to access these.
You OK Doc? is a charity that provides a free six-week huddle programme for doctors and medical students, facilitated by an accredited therapist. It is a space to talk about things that are often not discussed, challenges, the effects of being a doctor and how we juggle this with life outside of work.
Doctors Support Network is a self-help group for doctors with mental health concerns, including stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, bipolar affective disorder, psychoses and eating disorders. All doctors in the group have been troubled at some stage in their lives. There are regular meetings around the UK, a newsletter and an email forum.
Longer term support for your mental health
A safety plan could help ensure you know what do when suicidal thoughts arise (read more at https://stayingsafe.net/)
A Wellbeing at work plan- Working as a doctor can be a stressful and challenging job. A wellbeing at work plan could help you keep well in the workplace and encourage communication with colleagues to ensure that you are well supported https://mentalhealth-uk.org/blog/wellbeing-workplan/
Techniques that can help distract you from these thoughts are grounding, distraction, reframing and problem solving. Mindfulness and breathing can also be helpful. Find out more about these techniques at https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/about-mental-illness/learn-more-about-symptoms/suicidal-thoughts-how-to-cope/#helping-myself
Additional resources
There are excellent information resources for people experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties, and those supporting them, via the following links:
National Wellbeing Hub - National Wellbeing Hub
NHS Inform - https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/
Scottish Action for Mental Health - https://www.samh.org.uk/about-mental-health
This page was last updated on: 02.10.2024 at 13.37
