This Friday is World Mental Health Day! October 10th is a chance to reflect on something that we all have and something that deserves just as much attention as physical health.
In the UK, it’s estimated that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year. For many, it’s temporary and linked to life events or pressure; for others, it can be long term and life changing. The reality is that almost everyone, at some point, will be affected. This could be yourself, a loved one, a friend, or a colleague.
The theme for 2025 is “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” That means the focus this year is on making sure support is available when things go wrong.
As someone working in care, you’ll often be supporting others through difficult times. That can also mean you get hit by the pressure, stress, or shock of those events yourself. It’s important to know that needing help is normal, and that there are practical things you can do to look after yourself and each other.
Simple Steps You Can Try Right Now
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Talk to someone you trust. A quick and honest conversation with a colleague, friend, or manager can help you process what you’ve been through.
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Use the debrief. If a shift has been particularly tough, ask for a short team debrief. That helps everyone share what happened and what support is needed.
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Take your breaks and use them properly. Even five minutes away from the ward or lounge to breathe, stretch, or step outside can reset you.
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Keep an eye on your sleep, food and movement. Small, regular routines make a big difference to how you cope with stress.
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If something happens that feels traumatic, tell your manager and ask for time to recover.
Where to turn in the UK
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Samaritans: free 24/7 support on 116 123, or samaritans.org
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Mind: practical information at mind.org.uk
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NHS: your local NHS mental health services and urgent support via NHS 111 where needed
If you need extra support, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team on 0800 368 9644 or email [email protected]
