Personal Stories
Articles:
Out of the Shadows: Physicians Share Their Mental Health Struggles
This article from the AAMC features candid stories from physicians who have experienced mental health challenges. It highlights their journeys toward seeking help, breaking stigma, and prioritizing wellbeing while continuing to provide high-quality care. The piece underscores the importance of open conversations and support within the medical community.
Access the story here.
Learn From Me: Speak Out, Seek Help, Get Treatment - Steve Robson
This Insight+ article shares a personal account from a doctor who experienced significant mental health challenges. It emphasizes the importance of speaking openly, seeking professional help, and accessing treatment without fear of stigma. The story serves as a reminder that prioritizing mental health is essential for sustaining wellbeing and delivering quality care.
Access the story here.
Depression: "I Felt Trapped in This Darkness" - Geoff Toogood
This SBS Insight article shares the personal story of Geoff Toogood, Cardiologist, who experienced severe depression while working in medicine. It explores the impact of mental health challenges on medical professionals, the importance of seeking help, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness in healthcare.
Access the story here.
Ben Bravey: The Patient Doctor
This Cancer Council article shares the inspiring story of Ben Bravery, who transitioned from being a cancer patient to becoming a doctor. It explores his journey through illness, recovery, and medical training, highlighting the importance of empathy, resilience, and patient-centered care in the healthcare profession.
Access the story here.
Why Connection Matters: GP’s Backing for Mental Health
This RACGP article explores the critical role of social connection in supporting mental health and wellbeing. It highlights evidence-based insights on how fostering meaningful relationships can reduce stress, improve resilience, and enhance overall health outcomes, particularly for general practitioners and their patients.
Access the story here.
GP: Don't Be a Hero
This Medical Republic article discusses the pressures faced by general practitioners and the risks of neglecting personal wellbeing in the pursuit of patient care. It emphasizes the importance of seeking support, setting boundaries, and prioritizing mental health to sustain a safe and effective medical practice.
Access the story here.
Personal Best – Atul Gawande
This article examines the role of coaching in professional development, arguing that even experienced practitioners benefit from external feedback to maintain and improve performance. Gawande shares insights from his own surgical practice, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and mentorship in achieving excellence.
Access the story here.
Podcasts:
Avant Podcast: Doctors in Recovery
This Avant podcast explores the experiences of doctors in recovery from substance use issues. Through candid conversations, it highlights the challenges faced, the importance of seeking help, and the pathways to rehabilitation and wellbeing within the medical profession.
Access the story here.
DoctorAMA - Podcast with Prof Steve Robson and Dr Anne Tonkin
This podcast episode features an in-depth discussion on the mental health challenges faced by doctors and the importance of seeking support. It explores personal experiences, strategies for resilience, and resources available to medical professionals navigating stress and wellbeing concerns.
Access the story here.
Podcast: Lived Experiences of Psychiatrists
This PsychMatters podcast episode explores the personal experiences of psychiatrists who have faced mental health challenges. It provides insights into their journeys, the impact on professional practice, and the importance of reducing stigma and fostering open conversations within the medical community.
Access the story here.
Podcast: The Good GP
This podcast series explores mental health and wellbeing within the medical profession. Episodes feature discussions on resilience, self-care strategies, and personal experiences from healthcare professionals, offering insights into maintaining balance and supporting mental health in demanding clinical environments.
Access the story here.
Podcast: A Bully in Theatre
This episode from the Safeguarding Healthcare podcast examines the impact of bullying within surgical and theatre environments. It discusses real experiences, the consequences for mental health and patient safety, and strategies for creating respectful, supportive workplaces in healthcare.
Access the story here.
Podcast: Discover Self-Care Tools and Tips from Burnout
This episode provides practical strategies for managing burnout and prioritizing self-care in the medical profession. It explores evidence-based tools, personal insights, and actionable tips to help healthcare professionals maintain wellbeing and resilience in demanding environments.
Access the story here.
Webinars:
Quenching the Flame: Strategies to Prevent Burnout
Burnout is a prominent issue in the medical profession. Guest speakers A/Prof Antonio Di Dio, Dr Nick Coatsworth, Dr Marisa Magiros and Prof Brett McDermott reflect on their own journeys and share tips on how to prevent burnout in the first place.
Access the Webinar here.
Mental Wellness for Future Doctors: Strategies, Tools and Support
Guest speakers A/Prof Antonio Di Dio, Dr Jennifer Schafer and Dr Kerrie Aust shed light on the importance of reducing stigma, promoting mental health awareness, and understanding the intricacies of mental health in the medical field. Further, dive deep into practical tools and skills to help you manage the challenges and stressors you might encounter on your path.
Access the Webinar here.
Navigating the Storm - Depression and Anxiety in Medicine
Suffering from anxiety or depression can make anyone feel isolated and overwhelmed. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma attached to talking about your own mental health in the medical profession.
Access the Webinar here.
The Path Through Notification - Insights and Support
Receiving a notification can feel scary and you might feel like you are the only one going through this. However, many medical practitioners find themselves receiving a notification at some stage in their career.
Access the Webinar here.
Embracing the Inevitable: Dealing with Death in Medicine
Death is a ever-present topic in the medical profession, however, as in many aspects of life, it is not often talked about. For medical students and doctors in training it can be challenging to deal with death and dying as part of their education and early working experience.
Access the Webinar here.