Working in emotionally demanding roles is a profound act of service, but it can take a toll on your wellbeing. Being exposed to trauma, crisis, and emotional distress can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, and mental health challenges. Your own experience of trauma can also surface in the work you do. It’s vital that those who care for others also have access to care themselves.
Taking care of yourself
Looking after yourself and practicing self-care can strengthen your resilience and protect your mental health.
By modelling how you care for your own wellbeing, you can also demonstrate for others the importance of self-care and mutual support. Your actions can encourage those around you to take small steps for their mental health too.
Here are some of the ways you can care for yourself as someone working in suicide prevention:
- Regular supervision or reflective practice
Create space to process your experiences with a trusted colleague or supervisor. - Peer support
Connect with others in the field who understand the unique challenges you face. - Boundaries and rest
Take breaks, use your leave, and set limits on your availability. For example, add rest or walking breaks to your schedule and protect this self-care time. - Personal therapy or counselling
Talking to a therapist can help you process your own emotions safely. - Self-encouragement
Take time to notice the small steps you take each day, and the achievements that mean most to you.
Information and resources
- You First podcast is for people who work in emotionally challenging roles, delivered by Suicide Prevention Scotland and Public Health Scotland.
- Ask, Tell Respond digital resources from Public Health Scotland and NHS Education for Scotland include animations and eLearning modules to refresh and expand your knowledge on mental health, suicide prevention and self-harm.
- National Wellbeing Hub is for everyone working in health, social care and social work in Scotland. It’s a place full of ideas on how to stay well.
- Turas by NHS Education for Scotland has a range of resources and learning modules for people working in mental health improvement and self-harm and suicide prevention.
- British Red Cross has a range of information, guidance, and downloads to support mental health in the workplace.
- Mind’s My Mental Health at Work has a range of tips on burnout, working remotely, coping with redundancy and more.
- Time Space Compassion: Supporting people experiencing suicidal crisis by the Scottish Government includes guidance to look after your own wellbeing when supporting others.
Are there any resources we’re missing? Let us know on ithrive@health-in-mind.org.uk.
Join the iThrive Edinburgh community
If you provide suicide prevention information or support in Edinburgh and your organisation is not already listed on iThrive, we’d love to hear from you!
Get in touch to let us know about the work you do.