A Complete Check-up: Doctors' Mental Health and Wellbeing

"Like everyone else in the community, doctors do fall ill. They must look after themselves, and take the same advice and care they would expect their patients to accept....not only for the benefit of their patients and themselves, but also for their own family and loved ones." Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, Chair of the Advisory Committee to the beyondblue Doctors' Mental Health Program (bbDMHP).

The mental and physical health of doctors and medical students, particularly those working in rural and remote areas in Australia, is of concern to the profession and the community.

Recent research commissioned by beyondblue: the national depression initiative has found that depression and anxiety disorders are commonly identified in doctors. Doctors have a higher rate of suicide compared with the general population, with female doctors more than twice as likely to die by suicide than women in the general population.

The importance of doctors looking after their own mental health and wellbeing is being emphasised by beyondblue through the bbDMHP. Many doctors say they would not seek help for depression for a number of reasons, including stigma, embarrassment and concerns about the impact of disclosure on their practice and careers. These barriers to help seeking may lead to self prescribing of medication.

This program examines the current issues for, and experiences of, rural and remote doctors with depression and anxiety disorders. The importance of being aware of the symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders is highlighted, and doctors are encouraged to seek help. Existing treatment options, services and programs supporting rural and remote doctors are explored.

Produced by the Rural Health Education Foundation