Health workers need action now
It’ has been an enormous year for health and social care workers (no surprises there). Long before COVID, the psychological wellbeing of our health workforce was already in crisis. Medical doctors, nurses, midwives and paramedics are among the top occupations with the highest risk of suicide, a recent study has revealed.
Research undertaken through the Sax Institute by Monash University found nurses and midwives were at a higher risk of suicide than other occupations. And on top of that, the suicide rate of female doctors is greater than women in other professional roles outside of healthcare — it’s also higher than the general public. A 2019 study by Beyond Blue also uncovered that nearly 25 percent of doctors experience thoughts of suicide.
This is alarming! Shift work, long hours and occupational stress all contribute to the problem, and further compound personal and relationship stresses. Furthermore, anxiety, depression, compassion fatigue, burnout and vicarious trauma are all too common hazards of the healthcare profession.
Despite this, stigma and feelings of shame associated with mental ill health for health workers can prevent many people from seeking support. Perceived lower levels of competence of doctors with a history of mental illness also impacts the disclosure and management of health needs.
We must do better. The World Health Organisation has designated 2021 as the International Year of Health and Care Workers. Its campaign calls for urgent investment in health workers. And it recognises the magnitude of challenges health workers face, particularly as a result of the pandemic. The demand for health workers is outstripping supply — in short, we need more trained and experienced staff. And institutions and governments must take greater responsibility to adequately protect the mental health and wellbeing of the workforce.
In 2019, the WA Sustainable Health Review tabled 29 recommendations for the Government to implement. It also recognised “culture and respect” and “investment in people” were core issues for shaping system-wide sustainability.
So, how do we begin to tackle the mental health challenges for health workers in WA? A multi-tiered approach is required to redress this dire situation — at institutional, community and individual level.
Firstly, strategies targeted at prevention must be adopted. This includes addressing mounting systemic pressures — the health system was already in need of defibrillation prior to 2020. Cultural toxicity must also be addressed. Psychologically safe, stigma-free and suicide-aware work environments for all health and social care professionals should be as standard. And then adequate early intervention programs and support pathways for people seeking help must be provided.
Thankfully, numerous community support avenues exist. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ GP Support Program aims to “foster a culture of self care” and is free for all members. Additionally, the Australian Medical Associations’ initiative, DRS4DRS, helps doctors and medical students manage their health. Nurse and Midwife Support is also a free and confidential 24-hour helpline, to help nurses and midwives with personal health and wellbeing issues.
Simple strategies can make all the difference for individuals, too — prioritise sleep, hydrate, eat well, exercise, and build self-care and mindfulness practices into your daily routine. Most importantly, remember that your health matters — reach out and seek help early.
The pandemic has shown us just how quickly we can mobilise resources to manage a crisis — the wellbeing of the health professionals is beyond crisis. We need real vision, investment and commitment from our leaders. For the health of our State and our health workers. And we need action. Now.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Drs4Drs: 1300 374 377
Nurse and Midwife Support: 1800 667 877