I need help now
NHS Practitioner Health
Practitioner Health is a free, confidential NHS service for doctors and dentists across England with mental illness and addiction problems. If you’re experiencing a personal crisis, are unable to cope and need support, text NHSPH to 85258
Health for Health Professionals Wales
HHP Wales offers a free, confidential service that provides you with access to various levels of support.
Phone 0800 058 2738 or email [email protected]
Recommended reading
Beneath the White Coat Doctors, Their Minds and Mental Health by Clare Gerada, offers a review of the current mental health emergency and its impact upon and among medical professionals, supported by the best available evidence and illustrated through real-life cases.
The Association's wellbeing and support services
The wellbeing of all our members, and those that work within the anaesthesia community, is an integral part of our work here at the Association, and we offer a wide range of services and campaigns to support you throughout your career.
BMA Wellbeing Support Services
BMA Wellbeing Support Services is staffed by professional telephone counsellors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are all members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and are bound by strict codes of confidentiality and ethical practice.
Phone: 0330 123 1245 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Email: [email protected]
BMA website
Our NHS people
For confidential support by phone:
General: 0300 131 7000 (7:00-23:00)
Bereavement: 0300 303 4434 (8:00-20:00)
For support by text message:
Text ‘FRONTLINE’ to 85258
24 hours a day, seven days a week
Website
NHS Practitioner Health Programme
Supporting the health of health professionals. This service helps GP or GP trainees with any mental health issues, including stress, depression or addiction.
Phone: 0203 049 4505
Email: [email protected]
NHS Practitioner Health Programme website
Psychotherapy for doctors - DocHealth
A confidential, face-to-face psychotherapeutic consultation service for all doctors. Fees are based on a sliding scale relating to your grade and circumstances. Provided in partnership by the BMA and RMBF.
Website
HSE Ireland - Mental health supports and services during COVID-19
The HSE provides all of Ireland's public health services in hospitals and communities across the country.
Website
Doctors’ Support Network
Since 1996, the Doctors’ Support Network has independently championed positive mental health within the profession.
DSN website
Samaritans
Samaritans is a unique charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide.
Phone: 116 123 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Samaritans Website
How to cope with suicidal feelings
We have been hearing with great sadness about cases of suicide amongst anaesthetists and intensivists. Our specialty has traditionally been considered at greater risk, possibly due to work-related stress, easy access to (and knowledge of) potent drugs, or both.