Mental Health Awareness Month: by Dr Darren Hudson, Senior Lecturer
Understanding mental health: breaking the stigma in healthcare
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a timely reminder of the importance of emotional wellbeing, particularly for those working in healthcare. In radiography, where the pressure can be high and the workload relentless, mental health is vital. It affects how we manage stress, relate to patients, engage with colleagues, and make critical decisions. Yet, despite increasing awareness, it’s often overlooked or avoided in busy clinical settings.
Radiographers are required to deliver safe, compassionate care, whilst regularly facing complex, emotionally demanding situations, from urgent scans to supporting anxious patients. These challenges can take a toll, and over time can lead to stress, fatigue, and burnout. Mental wellbeing doesn’t just affect individuals, it influences team morale, communication, and patient safety.
An important aspect that can support our mental wellbeing and engagement with others is through building our emotional intelligence – the ability to recognise, understand and manage our own emotions, as well as being attuned to those of others. In clinical practice, being emotionally intelligent helps radiographers stay self-aware, regulate stress responses, and remain calm and communicative under pressure. It also strengthens empathy and teamwork by encouraging us to notice when colleagues may be struggling and to respond supportively. Fostering emotional intelligence across radiography teams can create more compassionate environments where staff feel understood and valued.
Unfortunately, stigma around mental health still exists. There’s often an unspoken expectation to “carry on,” even when struggling. Admitting you’re not okay can feel like a weakness in a culture that values resilience, but when we stay silent, problems grow. I’ve seen colleagues push through mounting pressure for months, only seeking support when they’re already overwhelmed. This silence delays recovery and risks long-term impact on both staff and patients.
Creating a mentally healthy workplace starts with honest, judgment-free conversations. A simple “How are you really doing?” can open doors, in turn simply listening without judgement can make a real difference. Peer support, wellbeing check-ins, and approachable leadership all help. When senior staff talk openly about mental health, it sets the tone for openness and psychological safety within a team.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s commit to supporting each other. By embracing emotional intelligence and challenging stigma, we can build a culture where mental health is recognised, respected, and supported. A healthier radiography workforce means better care for all, and it starts with understanding both ourselves and those around us.
Senior Lecturer in Medical Imaging, University of Exeter
