How to support your wellbeing in general practice

General practice staff are under enormous pressure, which can take a toll on their own health and wellbeing; here is a collection of resources to use in times of need 

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Royal College of General Practitioners

BMA 24/7 helpline

The BMA 24/7 helpline is a dedicated helpline for doctors and medical students to speak to a counsellor or doctor advisor in confidence. You can talk through any issues which may be worrying you in total privacy, confident that you are getting the best possible support.

Responding to the death by suicide of a colleague in primary care

The sudden death of any work colleague can be shocking, distressing and destabilising; it can have a major impact on the wellbeing and functioning of staff members. The The Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) have designed a report which describes the difficulties faced and presents a framework of actions which you may find helpful.

The GP lifestyle – wellbeing in general practice

The RCGP run an online course offering advice on stress management, alcohol, nutrition, exercise and substance misuse. 

GMC

The GMC website has advice for doctors with health concerns.

Help me, I’m a doctor

The help me, I’m a doctor site brings together five independent charities that support doctors when they need confidential financial assistance. They can provide support to help doctors in genuine financial need get their lives and careers back on track.

NHS practitioner health programme

The NHS Practitioner Health Programme is an award winning, free and confidential NHS service for doctors and dentists with issues relating to a mental or physical health concern, or addiction problem, especially when it might affect their work.

NHS GP health service 

The NHS GP Health Service is a confidential self-referral NHS service for GPs and GP trainees in England. This service can help doctors with issues relating to a mental health concern, including stress or depression, or an addiction problem, in particular where these might affect work. GPH is provided by health professionals who have additional expertise in addressing the issues concerning doctors.

Doctors’ support network (DSN)

DSN is a peer support group for doctors with mental health problems.

Health for health professionals Wales

HHP Wales is a face-to-face counselling service for all doctors in Wales; they provide doctors with access to accredited therapists in their area.

Second victim support

A healthcare professional who has experienced a significant personal or professional impact as a result of a patient safety incident can be referred to as a ‘second victim’. This web-based resource provides guidance and tools to support individuals (and their managers) who have experience of being involved in such incidents.

Samaritans

Confidential emotional support 24 hours a daycan be found at samaritans.org

Sick doctors trust

SDT provide a 24-hour confidential telephone helpline for doctors with drug and alcohol problems.