Looking After Yourself

We know that primary healthcare professionals are usually on the frontline of disasters such as bushfires, floods and the pandemic, not only witnessing the physical health impacts but the emotional impacts of these events.

It is important that during times of increased community anxiety, you remember to take care of yourself. The following resources are available to assist the mental health and wellbeing of health professionals:

• Doctor's Health Advisory Service - 24/7 support for all practitioners, students and their families.
• RACGP GP Support Program - 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday, support for RACGP members.
• Penrith Head to Health Centre, Head to Health Hawkesbury Satellite and Head to Health Phoneline - Find mental health support in your local area by calling 1800 595 212 (Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm).
• CRANAplus Bush Support Service - 24/7 support for rural and remote area health professionals and their families.
• Australian Medical Association (AMA) -  represents and supports all Australian doctors. Promotes the health and wellbeing of doctors and medical students across Australia through Drs4Drs.
• Nurse & Midwife Support - 24/7 national support service for nurses and midwives.
• The Essential Network supporting frontline health workers (Black Dog Institute)
• Mental health resources for GPs  (DR4DRS)
• TEN - An app supporting health professionals through COVID-19 (Black Dog Institute)
• Hand-n-Hand Network: GPs, nurses and allied health professionals with a background in mental health helping to establish effective peer support.