Information & Signposting
Doctors in Distress focuses on supporting medical staff to prevent worsening of mental health issues.
If you feel like you are struggling and want immediate help or something more than we provide, please have a look at the services below. They are there to help.
Doctors in Distress works to promote and protect the mental health of healthcare workers and prevent suicide. We run a range of peer support groups and programmes to support healthcare workers mental health. To find out more about our programmes and to register, please check out our programme page here.
If you feel like you need emergency support please contact:
Counselling:
This site offers a comprehensive directory of over 27,000 qualified and insured counsellors, ensuring local or online support is always available. https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/
Samaritans
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Call for free support: Tel – 116 123
https://www.samaritans.org/
Shout UK
Free, 24/7 confidential mental health text support in the UK, a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and need mental health support.
Text SHOUT to 85258
https://giveusashout.org/
Suicide Prevention UK
Suporting those at risk of suicide in the UK.
Helpline: 0800 689 5652
www.spuk.org.uk
NHS Practitioner Health
Free confidential mental health service for all NHS doctors and dentists, and addiction service.
Practitioner Health
Helpline: 0300 0303 300
4 Mental Health – ‘Connecting with People’ Training
Easy access eLearning that offers helpful tools for a delegate’s own wellbeing, as well as knowledge and skills to support their clinical practice:
• Emotional Resilience for Professionals – covers emotional and social wellbeing and guides delegates through making their own Wellbeing Plan
• Suicide Awareness for Professionals – a comprehensive awareness training module which also supports delegates to make their own Safety Plan
‘Connecting with People’ eLearning
StayingSafe.net
This website supports people to stay safer from thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Imbued with compassion and hope, the website provides information on how to make a Safety Plan and provides an online template which includes ideas and suggestions. This website was coproduced with leading clinicians, academics, and people with lived experience.
www.stayingsafe.net
Suicide Postvention In The Workplace Guidance
Supporting Occupational Health and Wellbeing Professionals (SOM) has produced evidence-informed guidance and recommendations for organisations to respond to the death by suicide of a colleague, or the unexpected death of a colleague from other causes. You can view it here: Suicide_Postvention_in_the_Workpace_Supporting_Organisations_and_Employees_2024_09_11.pdf
Union Support
The Confederation of British Surgery (CBS) is dedicated to supporting all members of the surgical team, particularly those facing challenges in their professional lives. As experienced surgeons, they understand the demands and complexities of the field. CBS offers the Surgical Advisory Service Helpline, providing expert advice and guidance on employment terms, conditions, and more. To learn more, visit us at www.cbsgb.co.uk. For direct access to the Surgical Advisory Service Helpline please call 07498 322935 or email advice@cbsgb.co.uk. Find out more about the Surgical Advisory Service Helpline here: Surgical Advisory Service Helpline – The Confederation of British Surgery
The British Medical Association (BMA) is the trade union and professional body for doctors in the UK. Members have access to practical information, mentoring and support. Their resources cover contract checking, communication skills, management, and leadership. They also provide advice for your life outside of work and after your career, including financial, legal and pensions advice. To join or find our more visit Join the BMA
If you are in crisis, contact your GP and ask for an urgent appointment. Out of hours contact 111
If you feel unable to keep yourself safe, attend your nearest emergency department and ask to speak to the psych liaison team.
If you are unable to do any of the above and feel you are unable to keep yourself safe call 999