Docs don craziest socks

Doctors across Australia are proudly donning their craziest socks in a bid to challenge the stigma around mental health and speaking up when help is needed.
 
On Friday, Crazysocks4docs Day saw GPs raiding their wardrobes to find their most outlandish footwear as part of the annual nationwide campaign.
 
But there is a serious message behind the silliness – it is okay to ask for help.
 
The day aims to raise awareness and promote tangible action about the mental health of healthcare workers, focussing on removing the stigma associated with it.
 
Crazysocks4docs Day Founder Dr Geoff Toogood launched the 2026 campaign in Launceston, alongside RACGP Tasmania Chair Dr Toby Gardner.
 
‘We spoke about the importance of having a safe system where you can speak up, and the important role that general practice has in providing healthcare,’ Dr Toogood told newsGP.
 
‘If we change one person’s life today, or we save one person’s life today, that’s a win.
 
‘It’s very important to make it safe for doctors to speak up about their own wellbeing, their mental health, and to seek help.’
 
It comes as the RACGP’s Health of the Nation report found 69% of GPs were experiencing burnout in 2025.
 
At the same time, just 47% of GPs felt they were able to maintain a good work–life balance, and 27% believed that their work–life balance would improve in the year ahead.
 
In an effort to change this, the RACGP reached out to politicians in every state in the lead up to Crazysocks4docs Day to encourage them to join the conversation and help make it more acceptable for doctors to seek mental health support.  
 
College President Dr Michael Wright said the day sends a simple but important message: ‘it’s okay to not be okay, and it’s safe to ask for help’.
 
‘GPs are seeing more patients with complex and chronic conditions, with mental health now one of the leading reasons people visit their doctor, and behind every consultation is a GP who could also be dealing with stress, fatigue or burnout,’ he said.
 
‘We must ensure they feel safe, supported and able to speak openly without fear of judgement. 
 
‘Doctors are vital members of our communities, and we need a healthcare culture where their health and wellbeing is valued and nurtured.’
 
Dr Wright said this change in attitudes must start with good policies and adequate funding of the healthcare system to look after those looking after the health of communities. 
 
‘Day in, day out, GPs support their patients through some of life’s biggest hurdles, but too often, they don’t feel safe to speak up about their own challenges,’ he said.
 
‘It’s time to change that culture and make sure every doctor around the country knows that their mental health is important and has a safe space to turn for help. 
 
‘My message to all GPs is: don’t put your health last. If you don’t feel ok, seek help today.’
 
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