Across Australia, general practitioners (GPs) have donned their brightest, most colorful socks to mark Crazy Socks for Docs Day. This event aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health for both patients and doctors.
RACGP President Dr. Michael Wright wore his own vibrant socks and stressed the importance of the day. He said it reminds everyone of the mental health challenges faced not only by patients but also by the doctors who care for them.
“Mental health is one of the top three reasons for visits in seven out of ten GP appointments,” Dr. Wright explained. “This has grown over the last decade, with about one in five Australians experiencing a mental health issue each year.”
Dr. Wright highlighted the crucial role GPs play in mental health care. Last year, about 80% of people accessing mental health services did so through their GP.
However, he also pointed out that many doctors quietly face their own mental health struggles. “Wearing crazy socks helps remind us all that doctors, care team members, and patients should feel safe to seek mental health care when needed, even if it’s not always visible,” he said.
Crazy Socks for Docs Day is observed every year on the first Friday in June. It was founded in 2017 by Dr. Geoff Toogood, inspired by his own experiences with depression and anxiety.
Dr. Toby Gardner, RACGP Tasmania Chair, emphasized the day’s role in encouraging open conversations about mental health among doctors. He said doctors suffer mental health problems as much as, or more than, the general population. Mood disorders and substance use are common among them.
“People often see us only as caregivers,” Dr. Gardner said, “but we need care too, and we are often bad at asking for help. This day shows that it’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay not to be okay sometimes.”
Yet, Dr. Wright warned that mandatory reporting laws create a serious barrier for doctors seeking help. These laws require health practitioners to report colleagues if they believe they have a health condition, often mental health or substance abuse, that could affect safe practice.
“These laws make many GPs hesitant to seek essential healthcare,” Dr. Wright said. “Doctors, like anyone else, deserve confidential treatment without fear of punishment. Laws that discourage doctors from seeking mental health care do not protect patients.”
Since July 2010, all Australian states except Western Australia have had these mandatory reporting laws. WA adopted an exemption for treating practitioners after a 2009 Senate inquiry advised against the law.
A 2023 study in the Australian Journal of General Practice supported concerns about these laws. It found doctors facing regulatory scrutiny often experience distress, symptom relapse, financial problems, and work difficulties. Many avoid seeking care and suffer poor health as a result.
Dr. Gardner added that fear of being reported to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) makes it even harder for doctors to ask for help. This barrier can prevent them from getting the care they need to keep treating patients safely.
Doctors in rural areas face extra challenges, Dr. Gardner said. Workforce shortages, heavy workloads, social isolation, and limited access to mental health services worsen their situation.
“In rural places like Tasmania, the pressures are high. Often one or two doctors cover a large area. Isolation and limited mental health support make things worse,” he explained.
The RACGP encourages GPs to seek mental health support without hesitation. They offer resources such as free telephone counseling programs. GPs and medical students can also access confidential help through Drs 4 Drs, a service staffed by trained psychologists and counselors.
Dr. Wright concluded, “If you’re a GP needing mental health support, help is available. Don’t hesitate to get the care you need.”
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