The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is calling for changes to rules that discourage GPs from seeking help for mental health.
The call comes on Crazy Socks for Docs Day, 1 June 2023, which was started by Dr Geoffrey Toogood in 2017 to address mental health stigma among health practitioners.
RACGP South Australia Chair Dr Sian Goodson is attending the Crazy Socks for Docs Day breakfast in Adelaide today and said it's an opportunity to raise awareness of GPs' mental health and wellbeing.
"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."
"It can be hard for GPs to reach out for help. This is not only due to stigma, but because of mandatory reporting laws which require treating practitioners to report their colleagues if they believe their health condition places the public at risk. Doctors have the right to receive confidential help and treatment like anyone else, without fear of repercussion – these laws need to go now.
"We also need to see changes to the way the Health Department and Ahpra handle investigations into health practitioners.
"Because Medicare complexity and fear of compliance and punishment is one of the biggest sources of stress and anxiety for GPs, and it takes time away from patient care. Nearly half of GPs, 47%, indicated they either avoided providing services or claiming patient rebates out of fear of compliance repercussions in our 2022 Health of the Nation survey.
"The RACGP has always said compliance activities must include education for practitioners to help them navigate the complexity of the MBS and bill correctly. The system needs to allow GPs to get on with the job we love and not impact on patient care."
"As a GP who came to Australia from the UK, I'm aware some practitioners face unique challenges. This includes GPs who trained overseas like me, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GPs, and those working in remote and isolated locations. To those GPs I want to say, know that you're not alone, many of the challenges are shared, and that's why it's so important for us to reach out and connect, and check in with each other."
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins said she is donning her crazy socks for the day and encouraged GPs across Australia to do the same.
"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 provides members a range of mental health resources with strategies for self-care, and a free support program with telephone counselling.
A free and confidential mental health support service called Doctors 4 Doctors is also available for medical professionals, including students, with trained psychologists and counsellors.
