Speak out, seek help, get treatment
Professor Steve Robson, President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and AMA Federal Councillor, shares his personal account of why doctors need to seek help for their physical and mental health in MJA InSight.
“It is absolutely vital that each and every one of us is honest and acknowledges the pressures and strains of our profession; that we see mental health issues not as sources of shame, but as potential occupational hazards that put not only ourselves at risk, but the patients we care for. I should have spoken up sooner” said Professor Robson.
“For every doctor, especially our juniors, it is important to understand that mental health and emotional issues are nothing to be embarrassed about or ashamed of. They are important and need acknowledgement and treatment. We need to support each other and make this message abundantly clear.”
