Support after the storm

Working in mental health can sometimes be very difficult, especially after events such as an assault, serious injury, or the death of a patient or colleague by suicide. We do everything we can to prevent these situations, but it’s just as important to support the people affected when they do happen.

Post-event reflection means talking about what has happened as a team. It gives people space to share their experiences and notice if anyone is feeling blame or shame. These conversations can help teams feel supported and ready for their next task.

Regular peer support, not just after difficult events, also helps everyone feel more connected and cared for.

Postvention is a word used to describe the help and support given to people after someone dies by suicide. This can include friends, family, co-workers and health care workers. The goal is to help people feel less alone, talk about their feelings and try to prevent further suicides from happening in the future.

A key method of accessing support as a member of the mental health workforce who has been affected by suicide is  The National Advisory and Liaison Service (NALS), which provides a free and confidential support service by phone, in person, or by video call.

Other postvention resources that may be relevant to the mental health workforce in health and social care include:

Public Health Wales - Help is at hand
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide - Support After Suicide 
Support after Suicide Partnership - First Hand  and Finding the Words
Scottish Action for Mental Health - After a Suicide

Following a death, a member of staff may be required to attend an inquest at Coroner’s Court, this can be very stressful. The National Advisory and Liaison Service (NALS)  provides information and support for this.

Some other inquest resources that may be helpful include:

First Hand - What does it mean to be an inquest witness?
The Coroners' Courts Support Service - The Coroners' Courts Support Service
Help is at Hand Cymru - Inquests and Investigations
Ministry of Justice - A Guide to Coroner Services for Bereaved People
The Inquest Handbook - The Inquest Handbook: A Guide for Bereaved Families, Friends and Advisors

The mental health workforce can experience other challenges such as stress, sickness or accusation of improper conduct.

The following resources are also recommended:

"To anyone out there who is hurting - it's not a sign of weakness to ask for help. It's a sign of strength."

Barack Obama

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