Wellbeing

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Investing in your wellbeing is the most important thing you can do.

Take a self assessment

Stacked rocks on the beachThe Essential Network’s brief questionnaire asks you about symptoms of anxiety and other related issues to provide useful resources for support.

Find a resource

Male doctor sitting at desk workingSearch our library of websites, courses, podcasts and articles to find information on a specific topic.


RACP Support Program

Reach out to the RACP Support Program for free, 24/7, completely confidential support. Make an appointment or speak with a consultant on 1300 687 327 (Australia) or 0800 666 367 (Aotearoa New Zealand).


Our services

woman sitting at a table typing on a laptopCollege policies and procedures that can support your wellbeing.

Support a colleague or trainee

Yellow stethoscopeHelping a colleague or friend is a skill that requires active and mindful attention.


Our position

We believe improving the health and wellbeing of medical professionals requires the cooperation of government, employers, colleges, regulators, doctors’ health services, senior leaders, supervisors, colleagues and doctors themselves.

While we have a shared responsibility for doctors’ health, it's essential for doctors to take care of their own health, for their benefit and for the benefit of their families, patients and the healthcare system.

The Framework

As doctors, our career is all about improving the health of others — but sometimes this can come at the cost of looking after our own.

While doctors are less likely to suffer from lifestyle related illnesses linked to smoking, diet or exercise, they are more vulnerable to mental health and wellbeing issues compared to the general population.

In Australia, doctors report substantially higher rates of attempted suicide and suicide compared to other professionals, with suicide more common in female doctors. Help us turn this around.

We developed the Member Wellbeing Framework (PDF) to support whatever career stage you’re in your and whatever your life circumstances.

Physical
  • Eat well
  • Sleep well
  • Keep active

  • The state of your physical body and how well it’s operating.

    Mental
  • Keep learning
  • Build a routine
  • Take days off

  • Your cognitive, emotional and behavioural components that influence each other.

    Social and Emotional
  • Connect with others
  • Explore a hobby
  • Try flexible training

  • Your capacity to form and maintain secure relationships, and to experience and regulate emotions.

    Cultural and Spiritual
  • Be in nature
  • Share stories
  • Practice reflection

  • Individual purpose and connections with your true self, others, and potentially something greater.

    These 4 domains are considered in the context of our environment and relationship with nature and the land on which we live.

    What you can do

    We encourage all doctors to see their general practitioner on a regular basis. Every doctor should have a General Practitioner (GP) who they see routinely. A GP can assist in general health maintenance, including physical and mental wellbeing. Physicians should never self-diagnose or self-prescribe.

    We also urge you to monitor your own physical and emotional wellbeing, and to seek early assistance if you have any concerns or experience significant stress.

    Caring for other doctors requires sensitivity. We encourage doctors to provide support and assistance to colleagues — including trainees — in a compassionate and confidential manner.


    About mandatory notification

    There is some understandable confusion and speculation around the rules of mandatory notification, resulting in reluctance on the part of distressed doctors to seek assistance for personal issues because of fears it may have a career impact.

    See the National Boards and APRHA guidelines for specific guidance.

    "While Australia’s health ministers consider whether to change the law about mandatory reporting, it is important that all doctors realise that the threshold for requiring a mandatory report is high, only reached when an impaired doctor is placing the public at risk of substantial harm. This should not deter us from seeking help and support when we need it."

    Dr Joanna Flynn AM,
    Chair, Medical Board of Australia

    Let's talk about wellbeing

    Pomegranate Health Ep 112: The resilient workplace

    RACP Congress 2024 opened with a fascinating lecture on mental health in the medical workforce. Professor Neil Greenberg, an occupational psychiatrist with over 23 years in the UK Armed Forces, shared insights from his extensive research in defence and health settings, providing a pragmatic understanding of trauma and workplace relationships.

    He challenges entrenched beliefs about the presentation and management of mental illness, alongside guest host Dr David Beaumont from the College Member Health and Wellbeing Committee, who reflects on the Committee's role and how his understanding of health has shifted in response to personal distress.


    Listen to more stories of challenges and success while on the move with the Pomegranate Health podcast.

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