Positive psychology: self-compassion and mental health nurses

What is it about?

This article will focus on positive psychology interventions that help to self-compassion in the field of mental health nursing. It will highlight underpinning theoretical work and emphasise how the application of it can benefit the individual and the organisation. The practical tasks provided in the boxes throughout the article will help the reader identify what self-compassion means for them and understand how to further develop its transferability through evidence–based, user friendly exercises.

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Photo by Giulia Bertelli on Unsplash

Photo by Giulia Bertelli on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Today’s healthcare is delivered in a fast paced culture of relentless change, with many mental health nurses highlighting the impact of this on their own wellbeing. The putting of others first is critical to a nurses identity, yet this firm expectation can be difficult to always deliver and maybe even unrealistic, when negotiating under resourced services, which leaves nurses frustrated and self-critical.Historically, self-compassion is not always the intervention that is given priority in the nursing profession. It is however a worthwhile endeavour to increase the quality of life and be empowered to proactively treat oneself as kindly as a loved one.

Perspectives