At the end of the penultimate day of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, with the theme being Information for Impact for Healthcare Professionals, our new Chair of Trustees, Bryony, shares her reflections of the week.
It’s been a great week. The purple hearts are just lovely and sparked great conversations with women and their families and our Healthcare team.
I love my time as an obstetrician and really value this theme today. It is so important to care for each other as a team of Healthcare Professionals so we can give the right care at the right time
MMHAW25 Saturday: Information for Impact – Supporting the Wellbeing of Healthcare Professionals
As healthcare professionals, we’re driven by a deep commitment to helping others, and many of us find personal fulfilment through this work. However, in focusing so intently on the wellbeing of our patients, we can easily overlook the emotional toll the job takes on us. The high demands, emotional intensity, and exposure to distressing situations can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and at times, emotional overwhelm. It’s important to acknowledge that these responses are human and natural – and that we deserve care, too.
Compassion Fatigue
When we’re emotionally drained, we may find it harder to connect with patients or feel compassionate. This can be a self-protective response – our minds and bodies conserving emotional resources. However, compassion fatigue can also heighten our stress response and weaken our sense of purpose.
Secondary Traumatic Stress
Hearing repeated stories of trauma from patients can trigger our own threat system, even if we don’t realise it. This emotional residue can build up, affecting our wellbeing and sense of safety. As my psychologist friend says – ‘You can’t keep walking through water without getting wet’.
What Can Help?
Reconnect with Your Values
Remind yourself why you chose this profession. Reflect on what aspects of the work matter most to you.
If it helps, write down your values and setting small, meaningful goals that align with them.
Set and Maintain Boundaries
It’s okay to say no. Overcommitting can lead to burnout. Prioritising your own needs isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for sustained, compassionate care.
Take Breaks
Even short pauses for a snack, a breath of fresh air, or a quick walk can recharge your mind and body, helping you return to your work with greater focus and clarity.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness can be as simple as closing unnecessary browser tabs or taking a few deep breaths. Try bringing your full attention to one task or grounding yourself in the present with breathing exercises or sensory awareness.
Let the sunshine in
You need to bask in the sunshine too. Acknowledge where you know yourself you have given great care. Accept with love, the thanks and gratitude and keep those lovely cards on your shelf as a reminder. Sometimes there won’t be thanks, and there maybe even complaints – that’s OK; you know you have done your best and you can answer the complaints with honesty and with reflection.
Lastly
Take time to thank your team around you – you and they are amazing!
And admire and thank the strength and courage of our mothers. They are amazing too!