Self care

The HealthPathways Melbourne Clinician Self-Care pathway is available to support GPs.

Protecting your mental health during the pandemic will keep you functioning at your peak. There is a range of support options available specifically for doctors:

• RACGP GP Support Program: a free and confidential 24/7 psychological support service. Call 1300 361 008.
• RACGP fact sheets:
  • Self-care and mental health resources for general practitioners
  • Mental health in emergencies – Self-care for GPs and practice staff
• RACGP GP wellbeing resources
• GPMHSC resources and support for ongoing care of patients and self-care for GPs.
• DRS4DRS: Doctors and medical students can also access support 24/7 from senior GPs and counsellors via the website and the Victorian helpline: 03 9280 8712.
• DRS4DRS also have a series of five-minute guides on topics including compassion fatigue, burnout and many more.
• The Australian Medical Association Victoria’s Peer Support Service is available every day of the year from 8:00am to 10:00pm on 1300 853 338. The principle of the Peer Support Service is doctors supporting doctors and the service is available to all doctors and medical students in Victoria and Tasmania. You can remain anonymous and your call is confidential.
• The Victorian Doctors Health Program will continue to be available 24/7 to all medical students and doctors in Victoria and Tasmania throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Please call (03) 9280 8738. The Program will be using teleconferencing and videoconferencing for all consultations during this time.
• Black Dog Institute’s Mental Health Community of Practice is running interactive online mental health sessions for GPs. Participants will have the opportunity to explore challenges faced in practice and provide peer support to others who may be experiencing similar issues. Participants must be members of the Black Dog Institute Mental Health Community of Practice but membership is free. Join here.
• NWMPHN webinar ‘Managing challenging behaviour and importance of self-care in General Practice’ presented by Katrina Otto and a local practice manager, Sally Cordina, provides insight and strategies to address the everyday challenges faced by general practice. To access our recorded webinar videos, click here.

Nurse & Midwife Support: A 24/7 national support service for nurses and midwives that provides confidential advice and referral. Call 1800 667 877.

The Nurse & Midwife Support website has numerous articles including staying healthy, mental health and managing workplace issues including dealing with violence and aggression and burnout.

Head to Health mental health services are available to Victorians of all ages. The Head to Health intake team can quickly connect you with the right mental health support.

Our CAREinMIND Wellbeing Support Service offers free 24/7 telephone or online counselling to people living, working or studying in the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network region. If you, one of your patients or someone you know is experiencing anxiety, grief, loss, sadness or stress, call 1300 096 269 or visit careinmind.com.au to access free support. No referral is needed.

Other mental health and wellbeing support options for primary care workers include:

• Black Dog Institute: TEN app and essential network for health professionals
• Beyond Blue: How health care workers can support themselves and each other
• Beyond Blue: Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service or call 1800 512 348
• The Pandemic Kindness Movement: Created by clinicians across Australia and backed by Safer Care Victoria
• THIS WAY UP: Free practical online tools from the Department of Health and St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney
• Smiling Mind have released a special program for health care workers with support from the Australian Government. It provides resources to help you look after your mental health during the pandemic including tools for managing stress, improving sleep and building resilience. Access the program by downloading the Smiling Mind app for Apple or Android.
• NWMPHN webinar ‘Managing challenging behaviour and importance of self-care in General Practice’ presented by Katrina Otto and a local practice manager, Sally Cordina, provides insight and strategies to address the everyday challenges faced by general practice. To access our recorded webinar videos, click here.