Be Mindful helps NHS Diagnostic Radiographer Farah improve her mental health and return to work

Background

Diagnostic Radiographer, Farah, began to feel very low and depressed after switching to a permanent role working with different teams. She struggled to cope at work, suffering from worsening concentration issues, severe panic attacks, claustrophobia and physical sickness due to anxiety for around 6 months.

Dealing with patients was difficult as she didn’t want to feel overwhelmed in that situation. Her workplace allowed her to take extended breaks but these were difficult to fit around patients and she needed to take sick days. After a few months she was signed off work by her GP.

In the past, Farah was prescribed amitriptyline for her sickness and undertook an extended period of therapy sessions. In this period of crisis, Farah's GP prescribed sertraline and arranged an appointment with a mental health nurse due to the drug's side effects. The nurse provided a weblink to London's since decommissioned Good Thinking service that provided fully funded digital mental health support tools to Londoners.

Be Mindful

Farah selected the Be Mindful programme via Good Thinking, finding it very easy to start and complete. She found what she learnt from the programme more effective than therapy for managing her symptoms. She quickly noticed a reduction in her panic attacks, being able to pass through a panic attack much quicker than before, and the sickness disappeared. On returning to work, instead of needing hour-long breaks, she would resume her duties after 10 to 15 minutes of practicing breathing techniques and mindfulness when required.

The self-paced nature of the programme and short-from tutorials made completing the programme accessible, manageable and not overwhelming. Farah used the mindful walking techniques on her way to work and practicing mindfulness and being able to be in the present moment helped Farah to remain calm and perform her duties.