Pulling up their socks for doctors' mental health

On Friday, you may see more colourful socks around the health service than usual!

Friday 7 June is Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day, a day to break down the stigma around mental health in doctors. 

The fun attire serves as a visible symbol to spark conversations about mental health within the medical community and beyond. 

Doctors are renowned for their dedication to the wellbeing of others, yet the mental health of doctors themselves can be overlooked. Recognising this important issue, Townsville Medical Staff Society (TMSS), alongside Brighter Lives, are raising funds and awareness for the mental health of doctors in North Queensland. 

“We have organised a lot of fun activities, fundraising and of course, the crazy socks,” and Dr Amanda Seneviratne, president of TMSS said. “In addition to promoting wellbeing, TMSS is also encouraging everyone to #TakeABreak as otherwise we can be fatigued and feel burnt out,” Amanda added. 

The #TakeABreak event for doctors will be celebrated on Wednesday 12 June with guest speakers from the founder of Crazy Socks 4 Docs, Dr Geoffrey Toogood, and founder of Hand-n-Hand Peer Support, Dr Tahnee Bridson speaking on the importance of promoting wellbeing amongst peers, preventing fatigue and burn out. 

All fundraising proceeds will support doctors' mental health in north Queensland.