Recognising doctors’ mental health this Crazysocks4docs Day

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is encouraging people living and working across the region to wear their craziest socks to help raise awareness about doctors experiencing mental health issues around the globe this Friday, 3 June 2022 as part of Crazysocks4docs Day.

Acting MPHN CEO Narelle Mills said Crazysocks4docs Day is about recognising and acknowledging the mental health issues among doctors in our community and continuing to support them through their trying times.

“We know the mental and physical toll on medical doctors increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and Crazysocs4docs Day is a fitting day reminder for local GPs to check in with colleagues and start a discussion on mental health issues,” Ms Mills said.

“A key focus of MPHN is to support the health and wellbeing of general practitioners and other primary healthcare professionals. We encourage community members to take the opportunity to ask their GP how they are going and remind them to look after themselves.”

Wagga Wagga general practitioner Dr Jonathon Ho said it is important for general practitioners and health professionals more broadly to practise self-care by having time out and keeping in tune with their own self.

“As a GP, my colleagues and I listen to patient health issues daily and this can impact us mentally and emotionally. I would like to encourage my fellow colleagues to reach out for support. We are very good at supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our patients, but there is still a stigma around health professionals seeking help. We need to encourage support seeking behaviours among each other to help,” Dr Ho said.

“It is important for health professionals to remember we are all part of a team, and there are supports in place we can rely on in our region for our own mental health.”

If you, or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call Accessline in the Murrumbidgee 1800 800 944, Lifeline 13 11 14, or call 000.