Mental Health Resources

The ACSEP is committed to supporting members with the tools and resources needed to become the best versions of themselves. Proper self-care allows for the best possible patient-care. The below external resources are designed to help members throughout their journey from Registrar to Fellow and help promote a positive work/life balance. In conjunction with our EAP the below external resources will provide additional support for members, and provide a good first point of call for many situations as they arise.

Drs4drs 

DRS4DRS has been developed by the medical profession for the medical profession. Through our network of doctors' health advisory and referral services, we offer an independent, safe, supportive and confidential service. DRS4DRS promotes the health and wellbeing of doctors and medical students across Australia. We're here to help you find the support you need - online resources, referral services and importantly for wellbeing, we'll help you find a GP. The learning module at "Be a Dr4Drs" will broaden your understanding of your own health and the health of the medical profession. It will help you to explore the importance of prevention and timely intervention, the help-seeking behaviour of doctors and the benefits of having your own GP. 

DRS4DRS website

THE AUSTRALASIAN DOCTORS’ HEALTH NETWORK (ADHN)

The ADHN is designed for doctors and medical students, and for the families and colleagues of doctors in Australia and New Zealand. The site provides contact phone numbers for help and support in time of need and can provide advice relating to stress and mental illness, drug and alcohol problems, personal and financial difficulties. These services operate 24/7 but are not designed for medical emergencies, in which case you should contact, Lifeline or other relevant support.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WA Health Employees are entitled to access a number of sessions with a counsellor for free. The WA EAP is intended to help you deal with personal or work related problems that might be having a negative effect on your health, well-being and work performance. This professional, independent and confidential service is available 24/7.
For further information contact

Converge International on 1300 687 327 or

Optum on 1300 361 008

AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (AMA), VICTORIA AND TASMANIA

The AMA Peer Support Service is an anonymous and confidential helpline provided for doctors by doctors and is available to any doctor or medical student who lives, works or studies in Victoria or Tasmania. The service provides a first point of contact and support for callers who would like to talk through issues regarding any aspect of their life, including stressful incidents, violence or trauma in the workplace, workplace issues such as bullying, workload concerns, feelings of stress or inability to cope, burnout, career plans, professional life, personal issues and general well-being.
The service is available 365 days of the year from 8am to 10pm on 1300 853 338

NEW ZEALAND MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (NZMA)

The NZMA provides an advisory service to assist on a variety of issues, including staff employment and running a practice. NZMA members and families of deceased members may apply for aid in situations of financial hardship or distress from the Medical Benevolent Society.
You can contact NZMA on 0800 656 161

TE ORA MAORI MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS ASSOCIATION

Te ORA represents Maori medical students, doctors and medical practitioners working as clinicians, specialists, researchers and teachers.
You can contact Te ORA on 0800 483 672

THE AUSTRALIAN INDIGENOUS DOCTORS’ ASSOCIATION (AIDA)

AIDA is a not-for-profit professional association contributing to equitable health and life outcomes, and the cultural wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. AIDA’s ultimate goal is to reach population parity of Indigenous doctors, and to inform and support a culturally safe health care system.

AIDA recently released this Policy Statement on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctor mental health and emotional wellbeing in the health care system.

You can contact AIDA on 02 6273 5013

JUNIOR DOCTORS

JMO Health is run by junior doctors for junior doctors, and aims to help navigate the unique medical landscape. The site offers self assessment tools, a variety of vignettes on all situations that could be faced as well as a number of further resources.

Mindfulness in Medicine

Mindfulness has been well documented as being effective in managing stress and burnout amongst medical practitioners. It has also been shown to enhance resilience and to improve capacity to be flexible and adaptable in the face of challenges. Mindfulness in Medicine offers opportunities for medical practitioners to apply mindfulness in the care of themselves and their patients.

MEDICAL INDEMNITY

Your reputation is invaluable. It is worth ensuring you have access to quality support services and medico-legal experts who understand your profession. MDA National medico-legal advice understand that a claim or complaint is more than a medico-legal matter; it’s about your career livelihood. MDA National will focus on your career reputation, your continuing education, your wellbeing and your professional community.
Phone: 1800 011 225

Email: peaceofmind@mdanational.com.au 

THE MEDICAL BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION

ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

LIFELINE

Lifeline is a 24/7 national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to online, phone and face-to-face crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Phone: 13 11 44

BEYOND BLUE

Beyond Blue is a 24/7 service that assists people who are experiencing anxiety, depression or any other mental health issues. A trained mental health professional will take your call, listen to you, offer support, and point you in the right direction.
Phone: 1300 224 636

NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL DEPRESSION INITIATIVE

The New Zealand National Depression Initiative can be contacted on 0800 111 757

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

For 24/7 support in Australia you can contact

Alcoholics Anonymous Australia on 1300 22 22 22

Narcotics Anonymous Australia on 1300 652 820

For 24/7 support in New Zealand you can contact

Alcoholics Anonymous New Zealand on 0800 229 6757

Narcotics Anonymous New Zealand on 0800 628 632
 

GAMBLING

For 24/7 support in Australia you can contact

Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858

Gamblers Anonymous Australia on 02 9726 6625

For 24/7 support in New Zealand you can contact

Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655

​TRAUMATIC EVENTS

Unfortunately in life, many of us will be presented with traumatic situations that we must learn to live with. As an example, many people were impacted by the tragic events in Bourke Street Melbourne on 20 January 2017. WorkSafe Victoria in conjunction with The Better Health Channel provides further information on how to cope and recover from trauma, which can be found here.