About the author ix
Acknowledgements x
Preface xi
Introduction 1
Learning outcomes 2
Why should we be concerned about our own wellbeing? 3
Why should we consider both problem factors and protective factors? 5
Chapter 1 General problem factors affecting global mental health and wellbeing 7
Problem factor: Global mental health burden 7
Problem factor: Accessing resources 9
Problem factor: Multiple potential impacts on individual mental health 11
Problem factor: The acute and chronic stress responses 12
Problem factor: The diathesis-stress model 15
Problem factor: Stigma 16
Chapter 2 Problem factors affecting healthcare practitioner mental health and wellbeing 19
Problem factor: Perceptions of invulnerability 19
Problem factor: Presenteeism 20
Problem factor: Perceptions of hierarchy 22
Problem factor: Burnout 23
Problem factor: Compassion fatigue 30
Problem factor: Perfectionistic personality traits 33
Problem factor: Lack of recovery behaviours 34
Problem factor: Sleep cycle derangement and sleep deprivation 35
Chapter 3 Problem and protective factors affecting patients’ mental health and wellbeing 37
Factor to consider: The interlinkage of mental and physical health 37
Factor to consider: Sleep 40
Factor to consider: Diet 42
Factor to consider: Cognitive aspects 42
Chapter 4 Protective factors for organisational implementation 44
Protective factor: Organisational resilience 45
Protective factor: Organisational approaches to addressing stigmatisation 49
Protective factor: Creating a culture of support 50
Protective factor: Facilitating access and awareness of support avenues 53
Protective factor: Promoting communication 54
Protective factor: Balancing the psychosocial safety climate 55
Protective factor: Implementing a wellbeing strategy 58
Chapter 5 Protective factors for individual implementation 60
Protective factor: Learning a new wellbeing skill 60
Protective factor: Defining motivation to change 62
Protective factor: Individual resilience 63
Protecting factor: Compassion satisfaction and self-care 64
Protective factor: Promoting individual action 68
Protective factor: Awareness and mitigation of risk factors for burnout 69
Protective factor: Recognising and intervening approaching burnout and compassion fatigue 70
Protective factor: Connection 73
Protective factor: Access to support 73
Protective factor: Judicious use of standardised processes and templates 76
Protective factor: Practising self-awareness and meditation/mindfulness 77
Protective factor: Adequate sleep 78
Protective factor: Balanced diet 81
Protective factor: Adequate hydration 83
Protective factor: Optimising thinking styles 84
Protective factor: Appropriate delegation 90
Protective factor: Reflection on personal accomplishment 92
Protective factor: Physical activity 93
Protective factor: Gratitude practices 94
Chapter 6 Protective factors for individual trainee/student implementation 95
Protective factor: Medical school education styles 95
Protective factor: Good habits around maintaining patient confidentiality 96
Protective factor: Maintaining thorough record keeping 97
Protective factor: Maintaining clear communication 98
Protective factor: Planning training requirements 99
Chapter 7 Emergencies in mental health and wellbeing 100
Professional emergency: Pandemics 100
Professional emergency: Patient mental health 101
Professional emergency: Whistleblowing 102
Personal emergency: Personal crisis 105
Chapter 8 Mental health and wellbeing toolkit 106
Reframing 107
Weighing the evidence 107
Softening black-and-white thinking 107
Focusing on the benefits 107
Journaling 108
Reflecting 108
Challenging thought processes 108
Pausing 108
Delegating 108
Working as a team 109
Noticing anticipatory stress 109
Accepting ‘good enough’ 109
Replacing ‘should’ and ‘must’ 109
Playing out ‘what if. . .?’ 110
Connecting 110
Mentoring and buddying-up 110
Being thankful 110
Feeling a sensation 111
Progressively relaxing our muscles 111
Progressively mentally scanning our body 111
Deep breathing 111
Focusing on a physical sensation 112
Moving 112
Drinking de-caffeinated drinks after 3pm 112
Removing blue light after 8pm 112
Prioritising sleep 112
Starting and keeping to a regular sleep schedule 113
Drinking enough water 113
Eating well 113
Sitting less 113
Going outside 113
Talking 114
Accessing online resources 114
References 115
Index 130
