ITV drama ‘Breathtaking’

February 23, 2024

You may be aware of a particularly hard-hitting drama that has aired on ITV this week which has caught some viewers unawares, as it portrays the pandemic in a format which many colleagues will immediately recognise. Whether you have already watched it, plan to watch it or will definitely avoid watching it, we would like to ensure you are aware of the support offered should you feel affected either by watching it or by the subsequent media coverage and widespread public conversation ongoing across social media at the moment.

All of us lived through the pandemic and will have dealt with our response to it in different ways. It is still far too early for many to relive any traumatic experience and this drama may well trigger an unexpected response to what you endured. Reliving those days may bring back both professional and personal memories and induce feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, loss, bereavement and moral distress.

During the pandemic, it was a sense of togetherness and team that was most protective in the face of the distress and uncertainty.  The same is true now.  We still face daily pressures in an over-stretched system that can lead to moral distress.  For some of us, a TV series like this and the resulting commentary on social media could bring certain emotions to the surface and it may be that you need a safe space to talk, process and share your story.

There are many sources of support to access, so please make use of them if you need to. If there is anything further, you feel we can do to support you please raise through your line manager.

Here are some available options:

Locally: 

Counselling services at SWB

Mental Health is a conversation that can be hard sometimes, especially finding the right person to talk to. That’s why here at the trust we have a free counselling service for our staff.

If you are feeling worried, anxious, or simply need some support then the occupational health team are here for you.

To contact the Trust’s counselling service, call 0121 507 3306, option 1.

Nationally:

NHS Practitioners Health (confidential, professional, prompt support for doctors in mental distress or struggling with addiction)

Web: Practitioner Health Tel: 0300 030 3300. Text for Crisis support on 85258

Doctors in Distress (Charity that protects and promotes the mental health of all healthcare professionals)

Web: Home – Doctors in Distress – Support For Healthcare Workers (doctors-in-distress.org.uk)

BMA Wellbeing Support Service (no membership requirements. Open to all).

Telephone: 0330 123 1245