Can nurses have depression?
Nurses are often working on the frontline with a kind of mythical superhuman quality about them. But nurses are human too, and subject to the same vulnerabilities as the rest of us. A common question people may ask is, can nurses have depression? In this article we will answer this question. We cover what depression [...]
Why are nurses depressed?
In our previous article, ‘Can nurses have depression?’ we explored recent research outlining the rates of depression in nursing. Another logical question that follows is to ask, why are these nurses depressed? And, which nurses are more at risk of depression? In this article we will highlight some recent findings that explain causes for depression [...]
Getting clearer on your emotions
Article outline: Emotional intelligence A guide Summing up Like it or not your emotions are central to how you perform at work and function in life. Our emotional states are all linked decision making, interpersonal skills, and ways we manage our energy and focus throughout a day. We all have a choice to make: Do [...]
5 ways to manage uncertainty
Article outline: Uncertainty in healthcare Acknowledge that certainty is an illusion Distance yourself from control Confront the worst-case scenario Focus on the choice Embrace our own mortality Uncertainty in healthcare. As nurses, you are confronted with a unique brand of uncertainty in the work you do. You devote your life to the caring of others, [...]
Four simple ways to saying “no” more
Article outline: Why do I say yes all the time? Ways to start saying "no" Summing up Are you someone who struggles to say no to things? The world of “yes” is a comfortable one. When we say “yes” versus saying no, we seem agreeable, positive and enthusiastic. The word itself is often even associated [...]
How to stop social comparison with other nurses
Article outline: Getting lost in the trap Social Comparison Theory: How and why we compare. Your own social media use Overcoming self-doubt: Staying in your own lane Same values, different direction Identifying your values What’s your mission? Linking values and mission to goals Your own mission statement Reducing social media use You’ve got to do [...]
Create a positive mindset for nursing exams
Article outline: Fixed vs Growth mindset All or nothing Where your mindset came from Why change my mindset Study tips Beyond studying Are you approaching your nursing exams with trepidation? Do you find yourself doubting your own ability? This article will help you create a positive mindset for your nursing exams. The way in which [...]
How nurses can process guilt and shame
Article outline: What is guilt What is shame Guilt and shame for all Processing and dealing with guilt and shame Safe sharing with others What is the difference between guilt and shame? As a nurse, it is inevitable that at some stage you will make an error that could potentially contribute to someone deteriorating or [...]
How can I overcome a lack of motivation
Have you ever had the experience of really wanting to do something but have been hampered by “lack of motivation” or “not feeling in the mood”? These kinds of feelings and thoughts are pernicious. They lead to us not taking good care of ourselves, which negatively affects our wellbeing and causes a lack of motivation. [...]
How to get off your phone and into your life
Article outline: Your relationship with your phone The start of a breakthrough Disconnecting from your phone and noticing the world Where to begin Okay, I’ve put my phone down. Now what? Turning the lights up on the stage show Acknowledging depression can be hard Support for depression Asking if it's time to get off your [...]
What is depression and do I have it?
Article outline: What is depression? What causes depression? Is it a single thing, or varied? How do I know if I’m depressed? What should I do if I’m depressed? Introduction Depression is an extremely common condition yet the stigma that still surrounds mental health difficulties makes it somewhat mysterious and hard to talk about, for [...]
7 tips to starting a successful mindfulness practice
Article outline: Be curious Start small Be patient Commit Get comfortable (but not too comfortable) Choose your “home” WOW your mind So, you’ve read or heard about the benefits of meditation, and you want to give it a go? In this guide, I’ll run you through 7 steps to consider ahead of starting out your [...]
Depression in nursing: How common is it and who is most at risk?
Article outline: What is depression? What causes depression? How many nurses are depressed? Has COVID increased levels of depression in nurses? What causes depression in nurses? Which nurses were more likely to become depressed during the pandemic? What factors protect against depression? At NWP we’re in the business of helping care for nurses’ wellbeing. In [...]