"Who is this researcher?"
This was me, a few weeks ago stumbling across a blog. This woman was sharp, driven, and had all her energy focussed on supporting the mental health of midwives.
She really got how unchallenged the assumption is that midwives are ok to keep going 24/7/365.
Sally Pezaro is doing her PhD on supporting midwives in psychological distress. Her project is exciting, and if it gets launched, will be something we can all use to keep healthy.
In this interview, we talk about why it's so important to look after midwives, bullying in midwifery, and some strategies for mental wellbeing.
Most awesome quote from this interview: 'Don't give everything you have until your batteries run out'. Yep - must put that on twitter.
Here are the links we discussed, 'cause I bet you'll ask!
- Sally's blog: www.healthystaff4healthypatients.wordpress.com
- Raising Concerns Guidelines, from the NMC (there is an awesome video from a passionate nurse that's so worth your time here!): http://www.nmc.org.uk/standards/guidance/raising-concerns-guidance-for-nurses-and-midwives
- The post on bullying I wrote, that led me to Sally's research: Bullying In Midwifery: One Small But Mighty Trick
What's Sally's doing is so brilliant because she's noticed something that is wrong in midwifery - and is doing something about it. Her project reminds me of that quote:
"Be The Change You Want To See In The World"
It's so good to know that we do have researchers on our side, trying to make things better.
Now, Sally and I would love to hear from you. What's your answer to the question I posed at the end of the interview?
"What do you find most challenging in looking after your mental health as a midwife, and what do you think could be changed to help with this, both on an organisational trust level, and on a personal level?"
Thanks so much in advance for all the kind, insightful and inspiring comments that are left. I'm excited to hear what you find hardest, and what could help you look after your mental health better.
As always, thank you for your time and attention, sharing and being so brilliant. MidwifeDiaries is turning into an incredible, supportive place for midwives, and I'm so grateful.
Ellie xxx
I am currently off work with work place stress, exhaustion and I assume ‘ burnout’ , for the last few weeks., I don’t really even know how these words apply to me only that I can’t go back to work feeling like I do. Feel very guilty that I am not at work, I have had two counselling sessions but nothing else and am not sure what to do next to get better, so I did find the video useful, it has encouraged me to seek further help to help me recover, thank you.
I was signed off work for over a month for similar reasons caused by a build up of issues finally brought to breaking point by being verbally abused infront of staff by a lead midwife three times on one shift. I am now on anti depressants and have had counselling which has helped enormously. It has helped me to recognise that it isn’t me with the problem, but her. I made it my problem by taking it home and allowing it to change me and how it affected my relationships with the people who actually matter. It took my family to intervene and tell me how much I’d changed before I realised that I was taking out my work issue home. Recognising what matters, what is more important to your happiness is a start….home life, or, work? Once you decide not to let an outsider have such an impact on you and yours it begins to become easier. You are capable, your confidence does come back and so does your happiness. Its about taking that leap and believing in yourself, protecting those that matter ( as they also Suffer) and going for the positive. Xx remember, its not you xx