Approaching a colleague who may be struggling can feel daunting, but small, respectful gestures can make a big difference. We do this every day with patients and it’s important we do it with each other as well. Here are some ways you can offer support in a thoughtful, respectful way.  

Plan ahead. Choose a private, calm time and place. You can begin the conversation by asking: 

• "Hey, do you have time for a quick chat after work?"  
• "Want to grab a coffee and catch up?" 

Remember to lead with care, not concern and use open-ended questions, like: 

• "I just wanted to check in. How are things going for you at the moment?" 

Consider these strategies when engaging in the conversation: 

• Listen actively: be present without rushing to fix, judge, advise or offer solutions. 
• Encourage help-seeking: remind them they deserve care too, with their own GP or psychologist. 
• Normalise support: share a resource or experience that helped you or someone you know. 

If you notice a fellow registrar struggling, encourage them to reach out for support. Support should be accessed early and not delayed until after exams or Fellowship.  

There are many support options available, both within and outside of the RACGP, and registrars are encouraged to reach out to whoever they feel most comfortable with. Options include their medical educator, training coordinator, program officer, supervisor or registrar liaison officer (RLO).  

General Practice Registrar Association also offers confidential support from registrar advisors for GPs in Training.   

Some colleagues may not be ready to talk.  That’s okay – you don’t need to push them. Instead, leave the door open and let them know you’re available and willing to listen when they’re ready and create a space where they feel safe to reach out on their own terms. Try saying something like: 

• "I’m here if you ever want to chat or debrief." 

Others may worry about confidentiality or mandatory reporting. It can help to clarify that: 

• most health conditions do not meet the threshold for mandatory reporting 
• seeing a GP outside their usual clinical setting can feel safer and more confidential 
• early support can prevent more serious issues from developing. 

Several confidential, free, and accessible services are available to assist doctors. Consider sharing deidentified success stories of colleagues who have benefited from confidential support programs to reduce stigma. As colleagues, we can play a vital role in signposting these resources and encouraging our colleagues to reach out to their own GP.  

If they do not have a GP, encourage them to contact Doctor’s Health Line on 1800 006 888 for assistance.  

Additional support services include: