Wellbeing

Wellbeing Hub for Dietitians in Trauma Care

Working in major trauma, critical care, and acute settings can be uniquely demanding, both physically and emotionally. Supporting your wellbeing is essential to delivering sustainable, compassionate care. This page brings together resources and guidance to help you look after yourself, as well as support colleagues and students.

Prioritising Your Wellbeing

Looking after your mental health is an important part of sustaining your wellbeing. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how valuable it is to include self-care in our daily routines and to be aware of early signs of stress, burnout, or feeling overwhelmed. Here are five simple ways to support yourself:

• Set boundaries: Establish clear limits on working hours and take regular breaks to rest and recharge.

• Connect with others: Share experiences with colleagues, friends, or family to build a support network and reduce feelings of isolation.

• Practice self-compassion: Acknowledge the emotional challenges of trauma care without self-criticism — remind yourself you are doing your best.

• Stay active: Incorporate physical activity, such as a short walk or gentle exercise, to boost mood and relieve stress.

• Reflect regularly: Take time to process difficult cases or days by journaling or using mindfulness techniques to help manage emotions.

For more ideas on looking after your mental wellbeing, explore the NHS’s Five Steps to Mental Wellbeing guide: NHS Five Steps to Mental Wellbeing

Podcasts 

🎧 Mental Health in Dietetics – The Dietitian Café Podcast
Explore an open discussion about mental health challenges and strategies within dietetic practice.
👉 Listen on Spotify

🎧 Wellbeing for ICU and Trauma Staff – ICS Podcast Series
Episodes exploring stress, burnout, and coping strategies for those working in intensive care and trauma.
👉 Listen here

Support Services

Frontline19 – Free Confidential Psychological Support
UK-wide service offering independent and confidential psychological support for healthcare professionals.
👉 Access Frontline19

IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies)
Self-referral service available across England offering CBT, counselling, and talking therapies. For details in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, see NHS mental health services information.

Websites 

Explore Mindfulness with Breathworks
Learn evidence-based mindfulness strategies to manage stress and improve wellbeing.
👉 Visit Breathworks Mindfulness

Find Daily Inspiration with Action for Happiness
Discover practical resources, calendars, and activities designed to boost happiness and resilience.
👉 Explore Action for Happiness

Deepen Your Practice with Mindfulness UK
Access accredited mindfulness and meditation courses to support your personal wellbeing and professional development.
👉 Visit Mindfulness UK

Promote Kindness with Civility Saves Lives
Understand how small acts of kindness and respect in healthcare can make a big difference to patient safety and staff wellbeing.
👉 Explore Civility Saves Lives 

Student Wellbeing

Guide to Loneliness – Mental Health Foundation
A practical resource for dietetic students managing feelings of loneliness and maintaining wellbeing during studies.

Student-Guide-to-Loneliness.pdf

Helpful Apps

Technology can support healthy habits for sleep, stress management, and mindfulness. Consider exploring:

• Headspace – guided meditation & stress reduction

• Sleepio – support for better sleep routines

• Unmind – tools for workplace mental health

Talking About How You Feel

Having honest conversations about your feelings with trusted colleagues, friends, or family can reduce stigma and remind you that you’re not alone. Creating space to check in with each other can make a significant difference in our professional communities.