Australians encouraged to potentially ‘save a life’ this R U OK? Day

Specialist GPs are encouraging Australians to potentially save a life this R U OK? Day, by checking in with friends and family about their mental health and wellbeing. 

On average, nine people in Australia take their own life every day, and suicide is the leading cause of death for people aged 15–44. RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the sobering statistics show more needs to be done to help people struggling with their mental health and reminded Australians that your GP is there to help. 

“Please reach out and ask your friends and family how they’re doing and, if they’re experiencing mental health issues, encourage them to speak to their GP,” he said. 

“Australia is facing a mental health crisis. Our General Practice Health of the Nation Report 2024 found that 71% of GPs report psychological issues in their top three reasons for presentations. We can never know what someone is thinking or feeling, and if a person in your life is potentially experiencing social isolation and distress, asking about their welfare and showing that you care can make all the difference. Your actions could save someone’s life.” 

The RACGP President added that Medicare must be reformed to encourage longer GP consultations. 

“Mental health consults save lives, and they can’t be rushed,” he said. 

“Unfortunately, Medicare rewards shorter consults, even though we know complex consults, including for mental health issues, take time. We need reform, because six-minute medicine doesn’t allow GPs to provide the right type of treatment for people reaching out to talk about their mental health.” 

Dr Wright also urged GPs to look after their own mental health, but warned current regulations are a barrier to them seeking help. 

“GPs are patients too, and if you’re experiencing any mental health issues, please reach out,” he said. 

“This is why we’re once again reiterating our longstanding calls for all states and territories to follow Western Australia’s lead and remove mandatory notification requirements, which hinder GPs from seeking mental healthcare. These laws require doctors to report a fellow GP if they have a ‘reasonable belief’ that their health condition, including mental health issues, puts the public at risk. In 2022, we threw our support behind a Senate report that recommended what we’ve been saying for years – mandatory reporting laws discourage GPs from seeking the healthcare they need. 

“GPs have the right to receive confidential healthcare treatment, including for mental health concerns, without fear of repercussions to their medical registration. My message to all GPs is to please take the time to care for yourself and remember, it’s okay for a doctor to not be okay.”