In short:

How's your mental health today?

How we think, feel and cope can change at any time - and nursing and midwifery can put it under real pressure. Learn to recognise where you are on the mental health continuum and what to do if you find yourself struggling.

We all have mental health – and as nurses and midwives, our can take a real hit. The pace, the responsibility, the unpredictability of our work – day by day, patient by patient, it adds up. It can be confronting when we find ourselves struggling, especially when we’re used to caring for others. But noticing how you’re going is the first step.

Our mental health is about how we think, feel and cope. It includes how we manage stress, connect with others, and get through the demands of our day. It is not only conditions like depression or anxiety.

For students, the demands of placements, assignments, exams, and balancing family or financial responsibilities can create similar pressure. 

Not alone – national statistics

Nurses and midwives are not immune to mental health challenges. In fact, the nature of our work can make us more vulnerable. Nationally, 1 in 5 Australians will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year. Almost half of all Australians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Many won’t seek support. 

Always changing – the mental health continuum

Our mental health changes over time. Sometimes we’re feeling strong and balanced. At other times stressed, fatigued or life pressures make us struggle or unsettled. This movement back and forth is often described as the mental health continuum.

At one end of the continuum people may be flourishing - feeling positive, connected, and able to manage challenges. At the other end, people may be languishing or in crisis - feeling drained, disconnected, or unable to cope. Most of us move between these points depending on what’s happening in our lives (Westerhof & Keyes, 2009).

The continuum can be thought of in stages:

Healthy – feeling capable, hopeful, connected.
Healing – taking steps to recover, building supports, finding strategies that work.
Unsettled – feeling off, irritable, or having trouble concentrating.
Struggling – mood swings, withdrawing from people or activities, ongoing distress.
In crisis – feeling hopeless, unable to cope, needing urgent support.

Recognise where you are on this continuum

Knowing where you are on this continuum helps you decide what to do next — whether that’s keeping up healthy routines, reaching out to a mate, taking time to reset, or seeking professional support.

Signs to pay attention to

Changes in mood, sleep, appetite or energy
Feeling detached, numb or withdrawn
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Feeling hopeless, worthless or constantly on edge

These are signs your mental health needs attention. You need to take measures, just as you would look after a physical injury.

Try this for your mental health

Looking after your mental health doesn't have to be complicated.

Check in with yourself: Notice where you are along the continuum each day.
Stay connected: Talk with friends, family, or colleagues you trust.
Look after basics: Sleep, hydration, nutrition, and giving yourself time to recharge – all of these make a positive difference.
Reach out early: If things aren’t improving talk to your GP, a mental health professional, or call us

See where you are on the continuum

Check-in on how you’ve been feeling. Take the quick, anonymous This Way Up Wellbeing Test to detect signs of stress, anxiety and depression, and understand what’s going on in your life. You’ll get suggestions and practical next steps. Take the This Way Up – Wellbeing Test.

Use services and supports

Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia - 1800 001 060
Your GP – ask if you’re eligible for a federally subsidised mental health care plan and services
Nurse & Midwife Support – 1800 667 877
Beyond Blue – 24/7 phone (1300 22 4636) and online support, plus resources and programs
Life Line – 13 11 14