As many of us continue to face extraordinary times across our domains with the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, it is critical we show empathy and kindness to others and the same compassion to ourselves.
Sunday is World Mental Health Day, a timely reminder how crucial the wellbeing of the whole medical workforce is to deliver safe and effective healthcare. RACMA acknowledges the significance of making this cause a priority everyday across the whole community.
This year’s World Mental Health Day campaign in Australia ‘Look after your mental health, Australia’ is encouraging everyone to look up, look out and look forward! Driven by Mental Health Australia, there are a number of tips, resources and links to events for mental health at https://lookafteryourmentalhealthaustralia.org.au/.
The spotlight on mental health continues across all of next week across every corner of the world, with this year’s theme of ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’ set by the World Federation for Mental Health. While the World Health Organisation is supporting the cause through its message of ‘Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality.’
We should not forget we are not immune to the physical and emotional impacts of the current Pandemic and the daily rigours of being a Medical Leader. Remember to take time out with your families and loved ones each day as you can, and particularly yourself.
The College also encourage you to overtly value and model kind leadership across your workplaces and communities. Be aware how the pressure of the situation may affect how others respond to each other or how we respond ourselves. We are all human and that social connection and interaction is what helps us cope with stress and sustains a sense of value and self-worth.
As a part of your membership all RACMA Members may access EAP services through Converge International. This service provides confidential 24-7 counselling services and online resources. Call 1300 687 327 (Australia), 0800 666 367 (New Zealand) or visit www.convergeinternational.com.au/.
There is also the Drs4Drs Support Service available for Australian doctors and medical students to access free, confidential telehealth mental health services, every hour and day of the year. The service is available online at Drs4Drs.com.au or you can call 1300 374 377.
For urgent support contact Beyond Blue (AU) on 1300 22 36 46, Lifeline (AU) 13 11 14 or Lifeline (NZ) 0800 54 33 54, 24 hours a day.
Author: Felicity Gallagher
10th October 2021
