Your wellbeing

We have a range of services and information to help support you. Our counselling service is open 24/7 to all doctors and medical students. It’s confidential and free of charge.
Your wellbeing during COVID-19
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Wellbeing support services

Counselling and peer support for doctors and medical students

Confidential 24/7 counselling and peer support services open to all doctors and medical students (regardless of BMA membership), plus their partners and dependents, on 0330 123 1245. There is always someone you can talk to.

GMC investigation support - Doctor support service

Confidential, emotional support for doctors going through fitness to practise procedures with the GMC, or at risk of having their licence withdrawn.

Psychotherapy for doctors - DocHealth

A confidential, face-to-face psychotherapeutic consultation service for all doctors. Fees are based on a sliding scale relating to your grade and circumstances. Provided in partnership by the BMA and RMBF.

Sources of support for your wellbeing

There is a range of organisations, services and websites which can offer help. Whether you are struggling with addiction or looking for legal advice, find signposts to support.

Self-help questionnaires

​Worried you may be burning out, drinking too much or nicotine dependent?​

Take our online surveys to check yourself out.

Concerned about a colleague

Are you concerned about a colleague?

Follow our simple guide on what to do if you are concerned about a medical colleague and their state of physical or mental health.

Reasonable adjustments

Making reasonable adjustments

Reasonable adjustments for medical students and doctors with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

Reasonable adjustments throughout the stages of medical education and training

We provide links to useful information, some key points you might want to consider, and tips from doctors who have gone through this stage of training.

Insight and advice

First times

Coping with situations for the first time for junior doctors and medical students.

Emotional toll of being a doctor

We asked members for examples of the emotional impact of practising medicine.  Here are their stories.

Creating a healthy workplace

Fatigue and sleep deprivation

Find out about the BMA Fatigue and Facilities charter, the impact of fatigue on doctors and patients, and the factors increasing the risk of fatigue. You can also read guidance aimed at doctors and other clinical staff on how to manage the risks associated with fatigue.

Vicarious trauma

Vicarious trauma: signs and strategies for coping

How to cope with the aftermath of traumatic incidents and spot the signs of trauma in those who have been involved in caring for others.

Occupational health

​Ageing and the workplace: caring for people of working age

An overview of the impact of ageing populations discussing the common myths and stereotypes associated with older workers, information about their health and safety needs, and recommended employment practices.

Alcohol and drug dependency in the workplace: a guide for medical professionals

Our report aims to provide practical advice to medical professionals, employers and employees to help understand and deal with the effects of alcohol and illicit drugs at work.

​The use of cognitive enhancers in students, doctors and the military

Our report gives more information on cognitive enhancement, the prescribed use of pharmacological cognitive enhancers, use by healthy individuals and the legal aspects.

​Staff screening and treatment after infection outbreaks

Screening of healthcare workers as part of managing an infection outbreak may occasionally be advised by an OCT (outbreak control team). Our guidance summarises the ethical principles and legal framework that apply.

The occupational physician

This guidance provides information on all aspects of occupational health. Below is a summary of the BMA’s guidance for the remuneration of occupational physicians.