Articles for Doctors

Welcome to our articles specifically intended for doctors interested in mental. This free resource will grow over time to include a range of mental health topics that we hope will be of interest and useful to doctors, wherever they might be.

GP Burnout and Mental Health: A Guide to Self-Referral and Peer Support in Western Australia
John Forbes John Forbes

GP Burnout and Mental Health: A Guide to Self-Referral and Peer Support in Western Australia

Burnout among General Practitioners in Western Australia is not a reflection of individual weakness, but a predictable response to chronic, unrelenting pressures in an overstretched system. With the majority of GPs reporting symptoms of burnout in recent years, many are quietly carrying overwhelming exhaustion, emotional detachment and a diminished sense of effectiveness while still striving to provide high-quality care. This article explores what burnout really is, why GPs are particularly vulnerable, and how it often overlaps with anxiety, depression and physical health problems. It then outlines practical, confidential pathways for GPs to seek support, including establishing their own treating GP, accessing psychological care via a Mental Health Treatment Plan, and using doctor-specific services such as DHASWA and DRS4DRS. Finally, it highlights the protective role of peer support, mentoring and reflective practice in helping GPs sustain both their wellbeing and their commitment to medicine.

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