Dr. Benji Waterhouse, a psychiatrist with extensive experience within the National Health Service (NHS), has recently published a book titled ‘You Don’t Have to Be Mad to Work Here.’ Through this book, Dr. Waterhouse aims to shed light on the realities of working in acute mental health, often focusing on the less palatable aspects of the job. With a mix of anecdotes and actual case studies, the book offers readers a glimpse into the complexities of conditions like schizophrenia and Cotard’s Syndrome.
Despite the often alarming nature of his work, Dr. Waterhouse emphasizes the importance of debunking the myths that surround violence and mental illness. He acknowledges that physical intervention techniques are part of his training, but stresses that serious incidents are rare.
The book also delves into the challenges faced by psychiatrists, including their own mental health struggles. Dr. Waterhouse candidly shares his experiences, highlighting the toll that working with individuals in acute mental distress can take.
Beyond providing insights into the field, Dr. Waterhouse hopes that the book will encourage more people to pursue careers in psychiatry. He emphasizes that recruitment and retention remain significant challenges within the NHS, and he believes that sharing his experiences can help raise the profile of the specialty and attract potential candidates.
NHS Psychiatrist Benji Waterhouse Pens Book on Realities of Mental Health
