HEFMA hears from Emma Mayo, Head of Workplace Wellbeing at mental health charity, Mind, about why measures to proactively tackle the causes of poor mental health at work within the healthcare sector have never been more vital.
The coronavirus has had a huge impact on the UK workforce. We’re all having to make big changes to our lives, at relatively short notice, including how we work. Particularly for those of us still regularly encountering others in order to deliver crucial services, whatever they may be. It’s normal to feel anxious in times like this, especially if you already have experience of mental health problems, but there are lots of things you can do to stay as mentally healthy as possible.
Everyone working in healthcare - not just doctors and nurses but cleaning staff, catering staff and other key facilities jobs - plays a vital role in supporting us when we’re unwell, whether that’s through treatment or maintaining and ensuring the quality of the places and equipment that we need. Staff within the healthcare sector do a hugely challenging job, often putting themselves on the line to help others. And even though you are going into work, you may have people in your life who you can't see for now because they are staying at home.
We’re all bound to feel more worried than usual. Promoting good mental health and tackling the causes of stress and poor mental health at work couldn’t be more important, and responsibility for this sits with all of us, but predominantly our employers. Increasingly we’re seeing employers invest in the wellbeing of staff, which is welcome. With many of us working remotely from home, employers need to work even harder to make sure staff can access support they need. Even offering more regular catch ups with managers and colleagues to check in over video call can make a big difference, as can accessing Employee Assistance Programmes (24-hour confidential phone support) or making counselling or other therapy available online.
Our keyworkers are responsible for delivering vital treatment or crucial support for the frontline. For healthcare staff to be able to offer the best care for those in their care they need to feel valued and supported, especially if they’ve been ‘drafted in’ from a different area of expertise, or have been brought back to work, for example.
The 2017 Thriving at Work employment review made a number of recommendations for how employers could better support the mental health of their staff and improve workplace culture. The ‘core standards’ were accepted by the Government, with implications for their own staff, including civil servants and NHS employees.
It’s right that our attention is focused on getting through the immediate and urgent emergency. But, as healthcare staff are placed under even more pressure, adopting these recommendations has never been more important. They include things like employers making sure staff check in and consider their mental health; offering additional support for staff during busy periods; senior leaders promoting employee wellbeing by speaking out about mental health and acting as role models for self-care; and making sure mental health is incorporated within current training programmes so staff know their wellbeing is a priority.
Connecting with others is also essential for all of us during this time. If you’re struggling with your mental health, talk to someone you trust, such as a loved one or colleague. If you don’t feel willing or able to do this, consider online peer support groups like Mind’s online community. Available to anyone aged 18 and over, this moderated community provides an opportunity for people to discuss their problems, share potential solutions with others who know what they’re going through.
If your thoughts, feelings and behaviours are having a serious impact on your day-to-day life, speak to your GP. Lots of GP surgeries are offering phone or online consultations – ask your practice what they can do. If you can, exercise and get outside for some fresh air, which can be beneficial for our mental health. Try to build physical activity into your daily routine. If work takes up the whole day, try to get outside for your lunch break. If you do have any time spare between shifts, exercise at home whether that’s an online workout, or even just cleaning, dancing or using the stairs.
You can find more tips and advice about looking after your mental health and where to get support as a key worker here.
Where to access support as NHS staff:
• The NHS has set up a confidential support line for NHS staff; it’s free-of-charge to call on 0300 131 7000, 7 days a week, or text FRONTLINE to 85258 for 24-hour support.
• NHS workers can get free access to some wellbeing apps, such as Headspace and Unmind, until December 2020; click here to find out more, including how to sign up.
• NHS in Mind is a collection of relaxation, mindfulness and hypnotherapy exercises for healthcare staff.
• NHS Practitioner Health has a list of support services available to NHS staff, including online sessions with qualified therapists. It also offers free online mindfulness sessions for anyone working in healthcare. Click here for a list of upcoming events.
• The Intensive Care Society has produced a set of wellbeing posters for critical care teams. Click here to access them and for more information/suggestions about how to utilise this resource.
About Mind
Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Mind campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Mind has a confidential information and support line, Mind Infoline, available on 0300 123 3393 (lines open 9am - 6pm, Monday – Friday)
Mind’s online mental health community Elefriends is a safe space where anyone aged 18 and over with experience of a mental health problem can share their story, connect with others, access Mind’s wider information and resources, and give support in return.
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NHS launches mental health hotline for staff tackling COVID-19
Free online platform launched to support healthcare workers
Project5 pledges free mental health support for the NHS workforce
Guidance for psychological welfare of healthcare workers released by BPS
