Mental Health Resources Every Nurse Should Know About

Even though to many the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may feel like a distant memory, for others it is still affecting their daily lives, through episodes of long COVID, PTSD and other mental health conditions. As we continue to navigate the world beyond the pandemic, it's essential to prioritise our mental well-being, especially when working in such a high-pressure, fast-paced profession.

Whether you're a nurse grappling with the lingering effects of the pandemic or dealing with the everyday demands of your profession, this blog aims to equip you with a range of resources to support your journey towards mental and physical wellness.

Mental Health Resources

Helplines for Immediate Support

Sometimes, you might need to talk to someone right away. Helplines offer immediate, confidential support from trained professionals who understand the unique challenges you face.

Crisis Services Canada: Available 24/7, this helpline offers free, confidential support for people in distress, including prevention, and crisis resources.
- Phone: 1-833-456-4566
- Text: 45645
Wellness Together Canada: Provides 24/7 support for mental health and substance use issues, including resources and counselling.
- Phone: 1-866-585-0445
- Text: WELLNESS to 741741 (adults) or 686868 (youth)

Online Support Groups

Connecting with others who share similar experiences can be incredibly helpful during times of poor mental health. Online support groups offer a safe space to share your story, listen to others, and find comfort within a community.

Nurses Together: An online peer support group where nurses can share their experiences and receive emotional support. They offer regular group meetings via Zoom, making it easy to fit around your other commitments and join from anywhere.
Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU): Provides various mental health resources and support groups specifically tailored to the needs of Canadian nurses.
United Kingdom:
Nurses Together: A peer support group where nurses can share their experiences and receive emotional support via online meetings. - Website: www.rcn.org.uk
United States:
American Nurses Association - Well-Being Initiative: Offers peer support groups, mental health resources, and free therapy for nurses. - Website: www.nursingworld.org
United Kingdom:
Samaritans: Provides 24/7 free and confidential support for those struggling with mental health. - Phone: 116 123 - Website: www.samaritans.org NHS Mental Health Helpline: Offers urgent mental health support and advice. - Find your local NHS mental health service: www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline
United States:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Free, 24/7 confidential support for people in distress. - Phone: 988 - Website: www.988lifeline.org NAMI Helpline (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Provides information, referrals, and support. - Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) - Text 'HELPLINE' to 62640 - Website: www.nami.org/help
United Kingdom:
Nurses Together: A peer support group where nurses can share their experiences and receive emotional support via online meetings. - Website: www.rcn.org.uk
United States:
American Nurses Association - Well-Being Initiative: Offers peer support groups, mental health resources, and free therapy for nurses. - Website: www.nursingworld.org

Mindfulness and Meditation Apps

Incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine can significantly reduce stress and improve mental clarity. These apps are designed to fit into a busy schedule, making it easier to find moments of peace amidst the chaos.

Headspace: Offers guided meditations specifically for stress relief and relaxation. The app features sessions that are just a few minutes long, perfect for a quick mental reset during a micro break.
Calm: Another great app is Calm which offers a variety of programs, including breathing exercises, sleep stories, and relaxing music to help you unwind after a long shift.

Professional Counseling Services

Counselling services provide a more structured form of support, helping you work through deeper issues with the guidance of a licensed therapist.

BetterHelp: Is an online platform that connects you with licensed therapists for virtual counselling sessions.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Many healthcare institutions offer EAPs that provide free, confidential counselling services to employees. Check with your employer to see if this is an option available to you.

Educational Resources

Knowledge is power, and understanding more about mental health can empower you to take control of your well-being.

United Kingdom:

• Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Mental Health Resources: Includes self-care guides, support groups, and coping strategies. - Website: www.rcn.org.uk NHS Every Mind Matters: Provides personalized mental health support plans. - Website: www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters

United States:

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Offers research-based mental health information and treatment options. - Website: www.nimh.nih.gov

Project Renew: Provides articles and podcast episodes specifically focused on nurses' mental health. - Website: www.projectrenew.com

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): Provides comprehensive information on various mental health conditions, coping strategies, and where to find help.

Self Reflection

What steps can you take today to prioritise your mental health and well-being?
Would you consider using any of the resources above to help improve your mental health?
Choose something an aspect of your mental health to learn more about to help you better understand how you are feeling.