Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 15h

As health and care professionals, widening your window of tolerance can help to manage the feelings of intolerance, stress, or pressure you may experience at work. For more advice, download the 'Understanding and Managing your Emotions' eBook on the 10th of October: bit.ly/Understandin...

Widening your Window of Tolerance

A very common issue is the idea that when things become somewhat challenging or uncomfortable, that this is somehow intolerable. Tolerating discomfort is not weakness or inaction. In fact, if you think about it, it often takes more strength to sit with discomfort than to avoid it. Like any skill, it can be developed over time helping us learn to respond, rather than react out of habit.

Widening your Window of Tolerance

• The first step is to become more aware of your feelings and acknowledge them.
• Reflect on them and accept their existence (as they are not disappearing anyway).
• Be wary of permissive excuses, such as, “I can’t deal with this right now; I’ll postpone it until I feel ready.”
• Consider why it's worth enduring this uncomfortable feeling
• Remind yourself that important goals can often be challenging to attain.
• Notice when you engage in this unhelpful behaviour. Think of a few examples from the past week where you felt you became intolerant.
• Remember to calm your body. Techniques like box breathing (See Chapter Six), stretching, or grounding exercises (such as 5-4-3-2-1) can help soothe the nervous system.
Ebook is available to access on the 10th October here: bit.ly/UnderstandingEmotionsEbook

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 2d

Do you tend to get stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts during times of stress? Learn how to de-catastrophise in our newest ebook 'Understanding and Managing Your Emotions', which will be available to download free of charge on the 10th of October. #NHSPractitionerHealth

How to De-Catastrophise

Catastrophising refers to focusing solely on the worst-case scenario as the only likely outcome of a situation. This tendency stems from our human evolution, where our ancestors were forever on their guard against real physical dangers. In today's world, this heightened alertness isn't always appropriate or helpful. Instead, we can look to engage different areas of our brain so that we can handle situations more effectively.

How to De-Catastrophise

• Be aware of your internal process
• Calm your body (take a breath, stretch, go for a walk, check your body, relax your shoulders)
• Recognise the catastrophic thought
• Remind yourself that you have coped with life challenges thus far
• You will be able to cope with challenges in the future, and support is available if needed
• Imagine some alternative outcomes (both positive and neutral, rather than only catastrophic)
• Bring yourself back to the present
• Ask yourself what do you know for sure? What are the facts of the situation?
• What can you do to problem solve or help resolve the situation?

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 3d

Are you passionate about the wellbeing of health and care professionals? There's only 2 weeks left to apply for our Psychiatrist roles! Apply here: bit.ly/PHPsychiatri

Join the Team: Psychiatrists

We are currently looking to expand our clinical workforce. We are seeking applications from psychiatrists with an interest in managing healthcare professionals and/or with experience of managing addictions. We are asking for a minimum commitment of 16 hours per week.

This is role is predominantly remote, with some face to face working and occasional travel to regional and national meetings. This mix ensures a work life balance.

Deadline: 18th October

For any enquires about the role, please contact dawn.taylor31@nhs.net.

Apply Here: bit.ly/PHPsychiatrist

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 4d

Do you want to make a difference to the lives of health and care professionals? There's only 2 weeks left to apply for our General Practitioner roles! Apply here: bit.ly/PHGeneralPra....

Join the Team: General Practitioners

We are currently looking to expand our clinical workforce. We are seeking applications from General Practitioners with a minimum of 6 months psychiatry experience or experience in delivering mental health care in a primary care setting, and/or with experience of managing addiction. We are asking for a minimum commitment of 16 hours per week.

This is role is predominantly remote, with some face to face working and occasional travel to regional and national meetings. This mix ensures a work life balance.

Deadline: 18th October

For any enquires about the role, please contact dawn.taylor31@nhs.net.

Apply here: bit.ly/PHGeneralPractitioner

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 5d

CW: Mentions of Suicide

Finding the right words when discussing suicide isn’t easy. The Touched by Suicide Guide includes a variety of advice on how to discuss the topics of mental health and suicide. Access the guide here: bit.ly/PHNavigation...

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 6d

The hosts of PH's Understanding Emotions Podcast have joined forces to create the 'Understanding and Managing your Emotions: A Guide and Toolkit'. Releasing on 10th October, this guide includes a variety of advice to help health and care professionals deal with a variety of emotions.

Understanding and Managing your Emotions: A Guide and Toolkit for Health and Care Professionals by NHS Practitioner Health

We are delighted to announce the launch of Understanding Your Emotions, a new eBook written by NHS Practitioner Health’s Medical Director, Dr Zaid Al-Najjar, alongside two of our highly experienced therapists, Ruth Deighton and Simon Lyne.
Drawing on years of clinical practice, lived experience, and countless conversations with health and care staff, the book offers practical insights and compassionate guidance to help professionals better understand and manage the emotional impact of their work.

The eBook will be released on Friday 10th October 2025 to coincide with World Mental Health Day.

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 9d

CW: Mentions of Suicide.

Losing a colleague to suicide is profoundly shocking, heartbreaking and traumatic. Our guide includes information on what to expect after losing a colleague, as well as signposting to relevant guides and support.

Access the guide here : bit.ly/PHNavigation...

1

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 9d

Do you want to make a difference to the lives of health and care professionals? We are looking for new general practitioners to join the NHS Practitioner Health team. Apply here: bit.ly/PHGeneralPra...

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 10d

On #NSMD, Dr Helen Garr, Medical Director at NHS Practitioner Health, attended a memorial event hosted by University Hospitals of Leicester. Read more about her experience in our latest newsletter here: bit.ly/PHSeptNewsle...

Staff placing candles at a memorial tree in The Secret Garden, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester.

Staff member placing a candle at a memorial tree in The Secret Garden, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester.

Dr Helen Garr, Medical Director at NHS Practitioner Health (pictured in all white), attending Leicester Hospitals Trust’s event for National Suicide Memorial Day.

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 11d

Are you passionate about the wellbeing of health and care professionals? We are looking for new psychiatrists to join the NHS Practitioner Health team. Apply here: bit.ly/PHPsychiatri

1

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 12d

Want to catch up on what we've been doing over the past month? Read our latest newsletter and subscribe to receive future newsletters straight in your inbox here: bit.ly/PHSeptNewsle...

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 12d

Content Warning: Mentions of suicide.

Losing a patient to suicide is one of the most difficult experiences a health and care professional can face. The Touched by Suicide guide contains a variety of resources to support you during this challenging time. Access here: bit.ly/PHNavigation...

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 13d

On #NSMD, Claire Goodwin-Fee, CEO of Frontline19, highlighted the importance of creating a space for health and care workers to talk about their mental health. Frontline19 is a confidential psychological support service for people working in frontline services in the UK. Read more: frontline19.com/

2

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 14d

Today marks 17 years of NHS Practitioner Health! We are incredibly proud to have supported 38,000 health and care professionals through their journey towards recovery.

Celebrating 17 years of NHS Practitioner Health

2

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 15d

Our prevention and postvention guide includes advice on starting a conversation with a colleague, noticing the signs of mental ill health, and how to respond to a concerning or urgent situation. Access the Touched by Suicide guide here: bit.ly/PHNavigation... #NSMD

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 16d

@doctorsindistress.bsky.social, co-founder of #NSMD, are creating #HopeThroughAction through their tree planting campaign and programmes which support health and care professionals.

Buy a set of 5 #NSMD memorial badges here: bit.ly/4gwpe4Z. Proceeds go to supporting health and care professionals.

1 1

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 17d

Don’t suffer in silence. Seeking support is one of the bravest things you can do. If you are unable to access confidential addiction or mental health treatment from local services in England or Scotland, register with NHS Practitioner Health today. #NSMD #HopeThroughAction

A Message of Hope

I want to let you know that things do get better, you don’t have to feel like this. Asking for help is not weak or a failure, it is brave. Keep safe, and call for help now. So many of us have been where you are and are happier than we would have thought possible after getting help.

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 18d

Content Warning: Mentions of Suicide.

NHS Practitioner Health’s prevention and postvention guide includes advice and resources on how to seek support if a health or care professional is worried about their own mental health and safety.

Access here: bit.ly/PHNavigation.... #NSMD

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 19d

This #NSMD, NHS Practitioner Health is creating #HopeThroughAction with the release of our suicide prevention and postvention navigation guide. Access the guide here: bit.ly/PHNavigation...

2 2

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 20d

This #NSMD, we gathered at Docklands Medical Centre to unveil a memorial plaque which honours the health and care professionals we have lost to suicide. Together with Doctors in Distress, we reflected, remembered, and spoke about how to protect the wellbeing of our colleagues across the UK.

1 2 4

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 21d

This #NSMD, we gathered at Docklands Medical Centre to unveil a memorial plaque which honours the health and care professionals we have lost to suicide. #HopeThroughAction

Lucy Warner, CEO of PH, Dr Zaid Al-Najjar, Medical Director of PH, and Dr Adam Kay standing next to the memorial plaque in Docklands Medical Centre.

1

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 21d

This #NSMD, NHS Practitioner Health have created #HopeThroughAction by releasing the first national prevention and postvention guide for health and care professionals. Access the guide here: bit.ly/PHNavigation...

4 3

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 21d

Today is the National Suicide Memorial Day for Health and Care Workers. Please join us in a minute of silence to pay tribute to the colleagues, friends, and loved ones we have tragically lost. #NSMD #HopeThroughAction

3 4

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 21d

The 17th of September is the National Suicide Memorial Day for Health and Care Workers. Today, will remember those we have tragically lost, reflect on their lives, and take action to help create a future where no more lives are lost to suicide. #NSMD #HopeThroughAction

Today is National Suicide Memorial Day for Health and Care Workers. We launched this day a year ago to act as a permanent point in the calendar where we could remember friends, colleagues and family members who had struggled with their mental health and who we had lost to suicide. We hope this day serves a way to reflect and honour those people and their vocation, but also importantly acts as a beacon of hope for anyone who is finding life difficult right now and needs to know there are people who care and can help.

We would encourage every member of the workforce today to take a moment to look around them, notice how they and their team are doing, to offer a time and place to sit down and talk, and offer hope through those small actions of support and understanding.

- Lucy Warner, CEO

6 7

NHS Practitioner Health @nhsprachealth.bsky.social · 22d

TW: Mentions of sexual violence.

This #NSMD, Surviving in Scrubs are creating #HopeThroughAction by calling upon healthcare organisations to protect their staff from sexual harassment and abuse. Read more about Surviving in Scrubs here: www.survivinginscrubs.co.uk/