(if you’re up for it, please follow the link below and watch the two minute TikTok)

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSR8GUBdJ/?k=1

Can everything about self compassion be reduced to a 2 minute TikTok video? 

Of course not. 

Perhaps the key questions of what, why, how and who can be introduced though. 

Let’s give that a try.

The “what” is the definition of self compassion, described here as “being empathetic and understanding towards oneself, as you might to a close friend in times of suffering”

That seems sensible. Let’s do that.

Why?

Because health professionals are more at risk of anxiety, depression and suicide than people in other jobs.

This chart is of Australian suicide data for the first 11 years of this century.

Male doctors suicide at the same rate as males in other occupations. 

Female doctors suicide at twice the rate as females in other occupations.

Nurses and Midwives who are male have a suicide rate that is 50% higher than it is for males in other occupations. 

Female nurses and midwives suicide at three times the rate of females in other occupations.

I’m not sure why these numbers are the way they are. Some of it would because of the nature of our work. I think some of it may be because of our collective psychopathology. 

Do people who care for others prioritise their self compassion enough?

How do care for ourselves while we’re caring for others?

Here’s one idea: make every time you wash your hands a mindful moment for yourself too. 

Use that 30 seconds or so as an opportunity to intentionally slow your breathing, calm your thoughts, to wash away some of the tension and stress, and to rub-in some good vibes.

Last, but not least, who can nurses and midwives reach-out to if they need a hand?

Hopefully you have, family, friends and workmates who can support you, but it’s good to know that you also have a 24/7 avenue to support on hand.

Nurse & Midwife Support is for all Australian nurses and midwives, including students and AINs. Check out the website and save the number in your phone in case you or a colleagues needs it one day. 

That’s it.

Thanks for watching this ridiculously short intro to self compassion. 

There is elaboration, links to data and resources, and a longer version of this video available via the QR code and meta4RN.com/grow website. 

Here’s a link to the Prezi used to make the visuals. Video recorded at home in the bathroom, then edited and uploaded from an iPad (in the loungeroom).

End

Is there anything sadder than a middle aged man on TikTok? 

No. There is not.

Paul McNamara, 19 July 2022

Short URL meta4RN.com/TikTokTry – TikTok try-hard, more like it 🙂