Over 1,300 GPs will today mark World Mental Health Day together as part of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ (RACGP) annual conference, GP14, in Adelaide.
World Mental Health Day is an initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health and aims to promote mental health education, awareness and advocacy.
RACGP President Dr Frank Jones said this is an important occasion for the general practice community, who are front line in the fight against mental illness, to reflect upon the damage it can inflict upon individuals and the wider community.
“General practice is often the first port of call for people experiencing mental health concerns, providing essential support services including identification, treatment and management of conditions,” said Dr Jones.
“The prevalence of mental illness in Australians is alarmingly common and GPs have a unique relationship with their patients based on trust, and can provide a safe place for people to acknowledge feelings of depression and anxiety.”
According to data from the Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health (BEACH) survey of general practice activity, GPs encountered nearly 15 million mental health related consultations in 2011–12, equating to 665 presentations per 1,000 people[1].
The survey also identified a further 3.1 million GP consultations that did not involve a specific mental health-related issue but where psychologically-related management was recommended.
“Mental illness does not discriminate and most people will experience some form of depression or anxiety in their lifetime at varying degrees of severity.
“We need to break down stigma associated with mental illness and encourage society to understand it is not a weakness, it is a disease.”
The RACGP is encouraging GPs attending GP14 in Adelaide to make a personal ‘Mental Health Promise’ as part of Mental Health Australia’s ‘Mental health begins with me’ campaign.
“It is important for everyone to take conscious steps toward preserving a healthy state of mind, whether it is simply making sure you are getting enough sleep or ensuring you ask for help when needed,” said Dr Jones.
“The RACGP is committed to ensuring GPs are provided with the most up-to-date resources to address mental illness in patients as well as supporting the mental health of GPs themselves through the GP Support Program.”
The RACGP will continue to raise awareness of mental illness in Australia and promote the role of GPs in minimising the suffering of those affected.
For more information on GP14, visit the conference website and join the conversation using the hashtag #GP14conference on the RACGP’s Facebook and Twitter sites.