Ep 136 - Wellbeing for the broken with Liz Crowe

Navigating a Mental Health Crisis in Healthcare: A Guide to Recovery Healthcare professionals, particularly those working in critical care and emergency medicine, often face intense situations that test their emotional and mental resilience. While most of the time, we manage to cope with the challenges, there are rare moments that catch us completely off guard, leaving us feeling utterly broken. This guide explores what to do when work breaks you—a situation that is seldom discussed but is profoundly important. Understanding the Crisis Point It's crucial to distinguish between the routine stressors of healthcare work and a true mental health crisis. The latter is not just a rough day or a series of challenging weeks. Instead, it's a once-in-a-career event that completely shakes your confidence and leaves you questioning your ability to continue in your role. These moments can be triggered by traumatic patient cases, critical errors, or cumulative stress that finally overwhelms you. When such a crisis occurs, it’s important to recognize that what you're experiencing goes beyond normal stress—it’s a mental health crisis. Symptoms may include tremors, uncontrollable crying, sleeplessness, and a sense of detachment. These are signs that your mental health is under severe strain, and they should be taken seriously. Preparing for a Crisis Before It Happens One of the most valuable steps you can take is to prepare for the possibility of a mental health crisis before it happens. Just as we plan for emergencies in our professional roles, we should also have a plan in place for our mental well-being. 1. Build a Support Network: Identify a few trusted individuals—whether colleagues, friends, or family—who can be your go-to support in times of crisis. Share with them the kinds of situations that might overwhelm you and how they can help if the time comes. 2. Establish a Routine: Develop a daily routine that includes exercise, healthy eating, and regular sleep. Routine can serve as a stabilizing force during a crisis, providing a sense of normalcy when everything else feels chaotic. 3. Seek Professional Help: It’s wise to establish a relationship with a therapist or counsellor before a crisis hits so you have someone to turn to when you need it. If therapy isn’t an option, know how to access support through your GP or other services. 4. Practice Self-Care: Identify activities that help you relax and de-stress. Whether it’s meditation, reading, or spending time with loved ones, incorporate these into your routine. These activities can become particularly crucial during a crisis. What to Do During a Crisis When you find yourself in the midst of a mental health crisis, your judgment may be impaired, making it difficult to make decisions or know what to do next. Here’s how to navigate those critical moments: 1. Reach Out for Support: Even though your instinct may be to withdraw, it’s essential to reach out to someone in your support network. Connection is key to navigating a crisis. Tell them what’s happened and how you’re feeling, even if it feels incredibly difficult to do so. 2. Stick to Your Routine: Maintain your daily routine as much as possible, even if it feels challenging. Simple actions like getting up at the same time, eating regular meals, and exercising can help you regain a sense of control. 3. Avoid Self-Medication: The temptation to numb your feelings with alcohol, drugs, or other substances can be strong during a crisis. However, these can exacerbate the situation. If you feel the need for medication, consult with a healthcare professional instead of self-medicating. 4. Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling to cope, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. Talking to a professional, whether through your GP, a therapist, or a crisis hotline, can provide the validation and support you need. The Path to Recovery Once the immediate crisis has passed, the journey to recovery begins. This process is often s