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GPs don crazy socks in support of mental health
As general practice got into the spirit of a movement challenging mental health stigma, there were new calls to end mandatory reporting.
GPs and advocates around the country displayed some vibrant sock pairings. Images: Twitter
GPs and doctor advocates around the country are showing off their most outlandish socks for Crazy Socks for Docs Day, which takes place today.
The event was started by Melbourne cardiologist Dr Geoffrey Toogood to challenge the stigma of mental health issues among doctors, and to reduce suicides in the medical profession.
Among those displaying their colourful socks was RACGP South Australia Chair Dr Siân Goodson, who was at a Crazy Socks for Docs Day breakfast in Adelaide, where attendees also included Dr Toogood and Federal Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler.
‘GPs across Australia have been under immense pressure since the pandemic, and burnout and mental health issues are a real concern,’ she said.
‘Crazy Socks for Docs Day has created a safe space for us to have a conversation about our mental health and wellbeing.
‘It’s a time for GPs to check in with colleagues and ask, “are you okay?”, and recognise it’s okay not to be.’
Dr Goodson also called for an end mandatory reporting laws which are in place in every Australian state and territory apart from WA.
Recent research published in the
Australian Journal of General Practice (AJGP) highlighted the devastating and long-lasting impact notifications can have on GPs.
Lead author Dr Owen Bradfield said the work showed doctors’ perception of the law can often have a detrimental impact.
‘My research shows that fear of mandatory reporting was a significant barrier for unwell doctors accessing healthcare, and this seemed to result in worse health outcomes for those doctors,’ he previously told
newsGP.
‘That is not good for those doctors or for the patients they serve.’
According to Dr Goodson, the handling of investigations into health practitioners also needs to change.
She cites Medicare complexity and fear of compliance is ‘one of the biggest sources of stress and anxiety for GPs’.
‘The RACGP has always said compliance activities must include education for practitioners to help them navigate the complexity of the MBS and bill correctly,’ she said.
‘The system needs to allow GPs to get on with the job we love and not impact on patient care.’
As the day unfolded, a number of high-profile GPs as well as advocates including RACGP CEO Dr Paul Wappett posted their own images backing Crazy Socks for Docs Day and its theme.
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins also lent her support.
‘This is our time as GPs to check in with ourselves and our colleagues. It’s okay not to be okay, general practice is one of the most rewarding jobs, but we all know it’s not without challenges,’ she said.
‘Let’s be kind to each other and be kind to yourself. Your college is also there to support you, and if you need professional help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.’
The RACGP has self-care and mental health resources for GPs published on its website.
There are also free, confidential doctor-to-doctor telephone services available across Australia.
ACT 1300 374 377
NSW 02 9437 6552
NT 08 8366 0250
Qld 07 3833 4352
SA 08 8366 0250
Tas 1800 991 997
Vic 03 9280 8712
WA 08 9321 3098
See also Drs4Drs for more information.
For immediate support, you can call Lifeline 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36.
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Crazy Socks For Docs Day mental health
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