Looking after your mental well-being

Information correct as of 20.06.2022

The NHS Wales Staff Wellbeing Covid -19 Resource has been developed by HEIW for all NHS staff to access and learn more about how we can look after ourselves. Access this to learn about the various sources of support available.

NWSSP takes the health and well-being of its staff seriously and as an organisation will always provide you with support, safety and comfort, that will allow you to nurture and be happy at your place of work- as well as at home.

Are you feeling stressed, anxious or low in mood? If so, we are here to help.

We want you to fell supported but more importantly know what to do and how to get help if you are struggling with your well-being.

Below, you will find support for various mental health conditions and concerns. Each option will lead you to support networks, contacts, help and advice.

​Mental illness is not a barrier for effective working and many people succeed and thrive within their roles. 

Men's Health

Do you have any mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, or low mood? Seeking help is often the first step towards getting and staying well.

Men’s Group provides male members of staff and those who identify as male the opportunity to come together in a safe, supportive trusting environment.

Guidance for Leaders and Managers

The British Psychological Society has developed guidance for leaders and managers wh will need to consider the well-being needs of all staff, both clinical and non-clinical, at this time.

HEIW have developed a resource to help us to Lead with Compassion during this time.

Academi Wales have developed a number of resources regarding resilience and leadership in the current climate.

Self Care for NHS Staff – collated by Dr Julie Highfield, Consultant Psychologist

• Most importantly, this is unprecedented: It is okay to not be okay
• Seek information updates at specific times during the day, once or twice. The sudden and near-constant stream of news reports can cause anyone to feel worried. Get the facts at phw.nhs.wales/coronavirus or www.gov.uk/coronavirus
• Feeling stressed is an experience that you and many of your colleagues are likely going through. It is quite normal to be feeling this way in the current situation. Stress and the feelings associated with it are by no means a reflection that you cannot do your job or that you are weak.
• Managing your stress and psychosocial wellbeing during this time is as important as managing your physical health.
• Take care of your basic needs and ensure rest and respite during work or between shifts, eat sufficient and healthy food, engage in physical activity, and stay in contact with family and friends.
• This is an unprecedented scenario, don’t try to learn new strategies, use the ones that you have used in the past to manage times of stress.
• This is likely to be a marathon - pace yourself.
• Consider your psychological energy levels- you will need to “fill up” after “emptying the tank”
• Be aware of your “bandwidth”- it might take longer to think things through and make sense of things if you are feeling overwhelmed.
• STOP, BREATHE, then THINK- slowing the breath slows the stress cycle and re-engages your frontal lobes - then you can think.
• Avoid using unhelpful coping strategies such as tobacco, alcohol or other drugs.
• Some workers may unfortunately experience avoidance by their family or community due to stigma or fear. If possible, staying connected with your loved ones including through digital methods is one way to maintain contact. Turn to your colleagues or team leader for social support - your colleagues may be having similar experiences to you.
• Beware of using dramatic language that might panic your colleagues.

Public Health Wales offers the following advice:

Understandably, you may find that social distancing can be boring or frustrating. You may find your mood and feelings are affected and you may feel low, worried or have problems sleeping and you might miss being outside with other people.

At times like these, it can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour which in turn can make you feel worse. There are simple things you can do that may help, to stay mentally and physically active during this time such as:

• Look for ideas of exercises you can do at home on the NHS website
• Spend time doing things you enjoy – this might include reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies or listening to/watching favourite radio or TV programmes
• Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water, exercise regularly, and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs
• Keep your windows open to let in fresh air, get some natural sunlight if you can, or get outside into the garden. You can also go for a walk outdoors or exercise if you stay more than 2 metres from others

You can also go for a walk or exercise outdoors if you stay more than 2 metres from others.

NHS Every Mind Matters

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

Tips on working well from home

https://www.leapers.co/resources/little-guides/coronavirus-working-from-home

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51868894

• Care First - Covid-19 Working From Home
• Care First - Covid-19 Tips for staying active at home
• Care First - Covid-19 Tips to look after your mental health at home

NWSSP Mental Health Support

NWSSP has trained a number of Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) who are available to provide support and guidance to those who require assistance. Please bear in mind that some of these MHFAs may be working flexibly due to the current circumstances and so if you do have difficulty getting in touch with a MHFA, please contact nwssp.workforce@wales.nhs.uk

MIND and Active Monitoring

MIND have developed a new programme called Active Monitoring. It is a six week FREE guided self-help programme available to anyone in Wales aged over 18. It teaches people to gain a better understanding of their emotions from anxiety & depression to grief, loss and loneliness: https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/active-monitoring-sign-up/ 

Silver Cloud

SilverCloud is available to support you by accessing SilverCloud. SilverCloud offers online programmes to help ease your levels of stress, sleep better or to build resilience, helping you to maintain a healthy mind during this challenging time. Find out more on our dedicated Silvercloud page.

Suicide Awareness Training

 Suicide awareness training provides in-depth training and advice on how to deal with a crisis situation. The course takes approximately 20 mins to complete. It aims to give you the skills and confidence to help someone who may be considering suicide. It focuses on breaking stigma and encouraging open conversations. Please follow the link below if you would like to participate:

Welcome to the Zero Suicide Alliance (ZSA)

Remploy

This confidential service delivered by Remploy funded by the Department for Work and Pensions is available at no charge to any employees with depression, anxiety, stress, or other mental health issues affecting their work. 

Their specialist advisers provide:

• Tailored work-focused mental health support for nine months
• Suitable coping strategies
• A support plan to keep them in, or return to work
• Ideas for workplace adjustments to help them fulfil and retain their role
• Practical advice to support those with a mental health condition 

You can call us on 0300 456 8114 or chat with us online using the purple chat button on this page, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.  

Alternatively, email Remploy using the link below or contact Kerry Flower-Fitzpatrick: Kerry.flower-fitzpatrick@wales.nhs.uk

The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a dedicated confidential information and counselling support service for all staff, providing confidential assistance with any work, personal or family issues. You can contact an EAP, any time day or night to access professional for support, including telephone information, fact sheets, information packs and short term counselling. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Tel: 0800 2434 58

SMS (for call back): 07909 341 229

Email: assistance@workplaceoptions.com

Website: www.workplaceoptions.com

In addition, the following organisations can offer advice and support: