At Northern Healthcare, our team is made up of passionate professionals dedicated to supporting individuals on their mental health journey. In this interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with Sophie Thomas, one of our Mental Health Leads, who shares her journey into mental health nursing, the rewards and challenges of the role, and why breaking down stigma is more important than ever.

From providing hands-on support and training staff to witnessing the incredible progress of the people we support, Sophie’s experience highlights the impact that compassionate, person-centred care can have. Read on to discover what inspired her career, her thoughts on the future of mental health care, and the personal strategies she uses to maintain her own well-being.

What inspired you to become a mental health nurse?

I began my studies in Psychology and Counselling at University, where I was particularly drawn to the courses that explored mental health diagnoses and the role of counselling in supporting recovery. After completing my degree, I realised that mental health nursing was the path I wanted to follow and started my degree in mental health nursing.

What does a typical day look like for you?

No two days are ever the same in this role, and that’s what I find most exciting—it’s always a fresh challenge. My week is spent at various locations, meeting new people, and offering support with tasks ranging from medication management, supporting with meetings to ensure collaborative working, to conducting training sessions for staff. 

What’s the most rewarding part of being a mental health nurse?

The most rewarding part of being a mental health nurse is seeing people on their journey to recovery. Working at Northern Healthcare in the social care sector has shown me a different side to mental health nursing. I have always worked on acute wards where people have started their journey so to see people on the other side, living independently and knowing that as a team, we are supporting people to do this is so heartwarming. 

What changes would you like to see in mental health care?

I would like to see a shift in the misconceptions and stigma that still surround mental health diagnoses. This stigma often discourages people from seeking help, and I believe it’s crucial to normalise the idea that we all need to take care of our mental health and adopt healthy habits to maintain our overall well-being. 

How does working in mental health nursing impact your own well-being, and how do you take care of yourself?

Working in mental health nursing can be challenging, and sometimes it’s easy to take your work home with you. However, I make sure to plan time for myself in the evenings to focus on self-care, whether it’s reading a book or simply relaxing with a face mask. I try to practice what I advise others—switching off at the end of the day and approaching each new day as an opportunity to take on fresh challenges. 

A standout memory from your career as a mental health nurse

I think the most memorable moments are when I’ve been able to play a key role in someone’s recovery. I’ve worked with individuals who initially refused to engage, stayed isolated in their rooms, and felt hopeless about life beyond the hospital. Over time, as I built a trusting relationship, they began to open up, share their thoughts, and work with me to overcome their challenges. Those moments really remind me why I chose this career. 

If Sophie has inspired you to explore a career in mental health nursing, we’d love to hear from you! At Northern Healthcare, we’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team. Visit our careers page to learn more about our opportunities and start your journey today.