World Mental Health Day renews calls for support boost

This World Mental Health Day, the RACGP has laid bare the crucial need for increased support and care offerings for patients, as diagnoses continue to rise.
 
In 2024, the World Health Organization’s theme for the day is ‘Mental Health at Work‘, highlighting that ‘safe, healthy working environments can act as a protective factor for mental health’.
 
The advocacy day comes at a time when GPs are consistently seeing a rise in patients with mental health issues.
 
The RACGP’s annual Health of the Nation report, released this week, reveals that 71% of GPs report mental health in their top reasons for patient consults, up from 61% in 2017. 
 
But college President Dr Nicole Higgins said GPs remain ‘very concerned’ about patients delaying mental health care due to increasing cost-of-living pressures. 
 
‘GPs are on the frontline of Australia’s mental health crisis, carrying out more mental health consults each year than any other speciality or clinician,’ she said.
 
‘GPs from across Australia have told us they’re seeing more patients with multiple, complex health issues including mental health, and many can’t afford to see specialists or allied health professionals privately.’
 
The RACGP has now doubled down on its calls for the Federal Government to increase patients’ Medicare rebates for GP mental health and longer consults.
 
‘Australians need access to affordable mental health care … with the current cost-of-living crisis, this is more important than ever,’ she said.
 
‘After decades of underfunding and the Medicare freeze, we need meaningful investment in patients’ rebates to make essential healthcare affordable for all Australians.’
 
At the same time, Dr Higgins said the day serves as a reminder for GPs to look after their own mental health.
 
The Health of the Nation report found that in 2024, 69% of GPs said they were experiencing burnout, and the proportion of GPs who felt they were able to maintain a good work–life balance is just 48%.
 
‘It’s important for GPs to check in with colleagues and their practice team, and to seek support if needed – it’s okay to not be okay,’ Dr Higgins said.
 
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