As mental health nurses we know that we must work with people in a way that values, respects and explores the meaning of their individual lived experiences of mental health problems, to provide person-centred and recovery-focused practice.
Mental health nurses must practise in a way that focuses on the therapeutic use of self. They must draw on a range of methods of engaging with people of all ages experiencing mental health problems, and those important to them, to develop and maintain therapeutic relationships.
They must work alongside people, using a range of interpersonal approaches and skills to help them explore and make sense of their experiences in a way that promotes recovery.
In addition we are very aware that as mental health nurses ourselves that we are not impervious to mental ill health, or to having mental health issues ourselves, but we do often struggle with reaching out and asking for help.
This section of the website has been developed to be able to share the stories of nursing colleagues who have and do struggle with their own mental health needs, and also to share resources and other key information, to help with addressing such needs.
This piece of artwork was developed after a conversation with a nurse colleague with lived experience of mental health services, and encapsulates her thoughts on how mental health nurses helped her at times of distress. The artwork was also created by a colleague with experience of mental health services.
Beacon of Hope
The artwork was created by a colleague with experience of mental health services.