Rural and remote health professionals need our support on R U OK? Day

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) supports R U OK? and World Suicide Prevention Day, and welcomes the opportunity, amid the challenges of the ongoing outbreak, for the community and rural and remote health workers to check in on each other, and ask R U OK? 

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to put immense pressure on health workers all around the country, including doctors working in rural and remote communities. Rural GPs and Rural Generalists (RGs) are adept at working under challenging conditions, but the longevity of the pandemic means many have been dealing with elevated levels of stress and fatigue since early 2020. For many ACRRM members, this high stress preceded the pandemic with the severe bushfire season. 

ACRRM President Dr Sarah Chalmers says the signs are there that the pandemic, the vaccine rollout, and the much-publicised GP shortages in regional Australia are all taking their toll. 

"R U OK? and World Suicide Prevention Day provide recognition for issues relating to mental health, giving us the opportunity to think about our own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others around us, including family, friends and colleagues. This year, particularly, we should remember those who are always there to take care of us, namely doctors and health workers in our rural and remote communities. 

The research shows there is no difference in common mental health risk factors between the city and the bush, however rural and remote communities risk exacerbated mental illness because of insufficient early intervention and prevention services.* 

While emphasising the need for ongoing action and advocacy to address the nation's mental health concerns and improve the conditions that health workers currently face, Dr Chalmers encourages rural and remote GPs to check in on each other, and to reach out for help. 

"In the current climate, burn out is a real issue. It's at these times we need to stick together, to check in on our colleagues, and to ask for help if we are struggling." 

"If any of our members need someone to speak to, I also encourage them to take advantage of ACRRM's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Through the EAP, members can access immediate, free and confidential phone counselling support. 

The EAP Wellbeing support line is available 24/7 in Australia and overseas, by ringing 1800 818 728. 

Dr Chalmers also added that the College is taking active preventative steps to protect members’ wellbeing. 

“We provide access to mentor programs to support trainees and Fellows at all stages of their career path, so that they are equipped to provide their communities with the healthcare they deserve. 

“With the pandemic, these supports are vitally important. 

*based on research conducted by The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS)