The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is urging the Federal Government to provide more support for Australians needing mental health care, on World Mental Health Day.
The theme for this year's World Health Organisation (WHO) World Mental Health Day is "Mental Health at Work".
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins said: "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.
"It's the most prominent health issue GPs are helping patients manage, and we all know work can impact mental health.
"Australians need access to affordable mental health care. That's why we're asking the Government to increase patients' Medicare rebates for GP mental health and longer consults – to reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients."
The RACGP's annual Health of the Nation survey shows a rise in the number of patients seeing GPs with mental health concerns – 71% of GPs reported mental health in their top reasons for patient consults, up from 61% when the survey started in 2017.
"GPs are very concerned about patients delaying mental health care due to increasing cost of living pressures," Dr Higgins said.
"One-in-five Australians delayed seeing a mental health professional due to costs last year, with significantly more delaying care for psychiatrists and psychologists, compared to GPs, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data.
"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.
"After decades of underfunding and the Medicare freeze, we need meaningful investment in patients' rebates to make essential healthcare affordable for all Australians. With the current cost-of-living crisis, this is more important than ever."
Dr Higgins also said it is crucial for GPs for look after their own mental health as well as that of their patients, with the RACGP's GP24 conference next month including a workshop for GPs seeking ways to reduce burnout and stress.
"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," she said.
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