We have compiled a list of wellbeing resources designed to support healthcare professionals in improving their mental health:

WELLBEING RESOURCES

• BMA Wellbeing Support Services
  • Covers many issues including personal and work related
  • 24/7 counselling line
  • Peer support services
  • Free structured course of up to 6 sessions of therapy with a counsellor (open to BMA members and their partners/dependents)
  • https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/your-wellbeing/wellbeing-support-services/counselling-and-peer-support-services

• DocHealth
  • Psychotherapeutic consultations for doctors
  • Offers 6 online sessions
  • Fee based on grade and circumstances
  • https://www.dochealth.org.uk/

• Frontline 19
  • Free psychological support for NHS and frontline workers
  • Fill out a form then get matched to a therapist who will get in contact to arrange 8-12 sessions
  • https://frontline19.com/services-for-frontline-workers/#register

• NHS Practitioner Health
  • Free and confidential NHS mental health and addiction service for healthcare professionals
  • Involves psychological assessment and treatment- talking/group therapy, prescription medication etc.
  • https://www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk/

• IAPT
  • NHS psychological therapy
  • Self-referral
  • Long waiting list
  • https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-NHS-talking-therapies-service

• British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
  • Search for counsellors based on need and location under BACP register
  • Some may offer concessionary rates
  • https://www.bacp.co.uk/

• Doctor’s Support Network
  • Peer support for doctors and medical students with mental health worries
  • https://www.dsn.org.uk/

• Workforce Specialist Service
  • Support service for healthcare professionals experiencing mental health, addiction, or other personal issues that could affect their work.
  • Confidential access to expert advice and treatment for issues like burnout, stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, and other challenges related to both personal and professional life.
  • https://wellbeinghub.scot/the-workforce-specialist-service-wss/

• Harley Therapy Platform
  • One off private appointment with professional therapy for NHS support workers
  • https://harleytherapy.com/we-can-help-with/free-support-sessions-for-nhs-workers-from-qualified-therapists

• Doctor’s Support Group
  • Support group for medical professionals facing suspension, exclusion, disciplinary actions, or fitness-to-practice investigations by medical regulatory bodies, such as the General Medical Council (GMC)
  • https://doctorssupportgroup.com/

• Mind’s Mental Health Support
  • Advice and information for managing mental health
  • https://www.mind.org.uk/

• Yoga4NHS
  • Run free 6-week yoga courses for NHS staff
  • The course is accredited as CPD by the Royal College of GPs
  • Link to sign up: https://form.jotform.com/243161698922363
  • https://www.yogainhealthcarealliance.com/yoga4nhs-staff/

• Medics’ Money
  • Podcasts, articles and resources focused on financial wellbeing, a crucial aspect of reducing stress for resident doctors
  • https://www.medicsmoney.co.uk/

• The Resilient Doctor Program
  • Workshops and webinars tailored to the unique stressors of medical practice
  • https://theresilientdoctor.com/

• The Joyful Doctor
  • Offers resources, coaching, and training for doctors’ wellbeing
  • https://www.joyfuldoctor.com/

WELLBEING APPS

• Headspace
  • Mindfulness and meditation app
  • Free for NHS staff

• Unmind
  • Mental health app allowing you to improve mental wellbeing through programmes that will help with stress, sleep, nutrition etc.
  • Sign up with your NHS email

• Daylio
  • Mood tracker to help doctors monitor and improve mental health

• Sleepio
  • Personalised sleep improvement plans

• Fabulous
  • Build healthy habits around nutrition, exercise, and relaxation

• Wellmind App (NHS)
  • Free app designed to improve mental health, with tips and advice

CRISIS

• SHOUT
  • Text SHOUT to 85258 to contact Shout Crisis Text line

• Samaritan
  • Provides emotional support to people who are experiencing distress or having suicidal thoughts
  • Available 24/7 through a free helpline, email and local branches
  • Call 116 123 to talk or email [email protected] for a reply within 24 hours

• NHS 111
  • Direct you to seeking help
  • Online or telephone call

• Stay Alive
  • Suicide prevention resource, helps you or someone stay safe during a crisis
  • Includes safety plan, strategies to stay grounded, guided breathing exercises

Image references:

Brahma, N. (2013). Books HD [Photograph]. Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Books_HD_(8314929977).jpg

Imbila. (n.d.). Image from “GPTs and Agents — Business Apps Reimagined” [Image]. Imbila. https://www.imbila.ai/gpts-and-agents-business-apps-reimagined/

Written by Dr Sithhipratha Arulrajan (FY3)