The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is urging Rural Generalists (RGs) and specialist Rural General Practitioners (GPs) to take a moment on R U OK? Day to reflect on their own mental health.
R U OK? Day is a campaign designed to spark meaningful conversations that help identify when patients, friends, family, colleagues, and teammates may be struggling. This year’s theme, 'R U OK? Any Day', highlights the importance of checking in regularly, as life’s challenges can arise at any time.
ACRRM President Dr Dan Halliday emphasises that while R U OK? Day is observed once a year, the message it carries is vital every day.
“As RGs and specialist rural GPs, we’re trained to be vigilant about our patients’ mental health, as well as that of our family and friends,” says Dr Halliday.
“However, we often overlook our own wellbeing and that of our colleagues.
“Living and working in rural and remote Australia offers many rewards, but it also comes with unique challenges. We often operate in isolated and demanding environments, feeling the weight of our responsibilities.
“At ACRRM, we recognise that the wellbeing of RGs and specialist GPs is crucial to the health of the communities they serve. “The College is dedicated to supporting our members and staff with comprehensive wellbeing resources so they can continue to care for their communities effectively.
“We encourage our members and staff to reflect on what they love about their work, the places they live, and the reasons they chose a fulfilling career serving the healthcare needs of their community.
“Today is R U OK? Day. Be mindful of your own mental health, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your colleagues.
“Remember, as the tagline says, you can ask, 'R U OK?' any day, because life happens every day.”
R U OK? Day is a campaign designed to spark meaningful conversations that help identify when patients, friends, family, colleagues, and teammates may be struggling. This year’s theme, 'R U OK? Any Day', highlights the importance of checking in regularly, as life’s challenges can arise at any time.
ACRRM President Dr Dan Halliday emphasises that while R U OK? Day is observed once a year, the message it carries is vital every day.
“As RGs and specialist rural GPs, we’re trained to be vigilant about our patients’ mental health, as well as that of our family and friends,” says Dr Halliday.
“However, we often overlook our own wellbeing and that of our colleagues.
“Living and working in rural and remote Australia offers many rewards, but it also comes with unique challenges. We often operate in isolated and demanding environments, feeling the weight of our responsibilities.
“At ACRRM, we recognise that the wellbeing of RGs and specialist GPs is crucial to the health of the communities they serve. “The College is dedicated to supporting our members and staff with comprehensive wellbeing resources so they can continue to care for their communities effectively.
“We encourage our members and staff to reflect on what they love about their work, the places they live, and the reasons they chose a fulfilling career serving the healthcare needs of their community.
“Today is R U OK? Day. Be mindful of your own mental health, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your colleagues.
“Remember, as the tagline says, you can ask, 'R U OK?' any day, because life happens every day.”