Specialist GPs around the country are wearing their wildest, most vibrant socks today to challenge the stigma around mental health, for both patients and doctors.
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) President Dr Michael Wright said Crazy Socks for Docs Day, Friday 6 June, is an opportunity to recognise the barriers both patients and GPs can face when seeking mental health care.
"Crazy Socks for Docs Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of mental health, which is among the top three most common types of presentations for seven in 10 GPs," he said.
"That's only increased in the last decade, with around one in five Australians experiencing a mental health issue each year.
"Specialist GPs are the key providers of Medicare-subsidised mental health services as the most accessible and most-accessed part of our mental health care system. About eight in 10 of those who accessed mental health care last year did so with their GP.
"But Crazy Socks for Docs Day is also a day for us as GPs to remember that doctors and our colleagues also regularly struggle with mental health challenges.
"We and our practice team members wear crazy socks to remind each other that while we might not see it or show it most of the time, doctors, care team members, and our patients should feel safe and supported to seek mental health care when we need it."
Dr Wright also said mandatory reporting laws, which require specialist GPs outside of WA to report their colleagues if they believe a health condition places the public at risk, discourage doctors seeking help and should be scrapped.
"There's clear evidence mandatory reporting laws make GPs wary of seeking essential healthcare," Dr Wright said.
"Laws that discourage GPs from accessing mental health care don't protect patients. It's been years since a Senate report recommended states adopt the same exemptions to mandatory reporting for GPs as Western Australia.
"GPs, just like anyone else, should have the right to receive confidential help and treatment like anyone else, without fear of repercussion."
A 2023 study of health impairment allegations against doctors, published in the Australian Journal of General Practice, found regulatory processes caused distress, symptom relapse, suicidality, financial pressures and work difficulties.
Many doctors interviewed for the study reported avoiding seeking care and being unwell when notified to medical regulators.
Dr Wright said Crazy Socks for Docs Day was a chance for GPs and other doctors to have important conversations about mental health and wellbeing.
"If you're a GP and you need mental health support – help is available. Don't hesitate to seek out the care you need."
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 Drs 4 Drs is also available for medical professionals, including students, with trained psychologists and counsellors.
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