Self-care for GPs

General practice is emotionally demanding work: GPs are frequently exposed to distress, trauma, risk, and uncertainty, often while working under sustained workload pressure and professional isolation⁴⁵.

Australian and international evidence shows that doctors, including GPs:

• experience higher rates of psychological distress, burnout and suicidal ideation than the general population
• face unique barriers to help-seeking, because of stigma, confidentiality concerns, and a fear of regulatory consequences⁴⁶.

The World Health Organization recognises burnout as an occupational syndrome arising from chronic, unmanaged workplace stress, and that it is characterised by emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation (cynicism or emotional distancing), and reduced professional efficacy⁴⁷.

Australian data indicate persistently high levels of burnout across the healthcare workforce, with more than 80% of health professionals reporting symptoms of burnout since 2020.

For GPs, risk factors include repeated exposure to suicidal patients, moral distress, administrative burden, workforce shortages, regulatory scrutiny, and limited time for recovery, while prolonged exposure to patients at high risk of suicide can lead to vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue, particularly when combined with long hours and inadequate systemic support.

Compared with the general population, doctors have an increased risk of suicidal ideation and of suicide⁴⁸.

Recent research indicates suicide rates among female GPs are approximately 76% higher than women in the general population, and Australian studies show this is worsening⁴⁹.

Factors contributing to this increased risk include gendered workload expectations, higher rates of combining part-time work with unpaid caring responsibilities, greater emotional labour in consultations, exposure to patient trauma, and systemic inequities in medical workplaces.

Doctors often find it difficult to identify, approach or support colleagues who may be distressed or suicidal.

Barriers include:

• professional hierarchies
• fear of “getting it wrong”
• concerns about confidentiality
• uncertainty about mandatory reporting obligations.

These barriers can contribute to delayed intervention and increased isolation for doctors in distress⁵⁰.

A major barrier for doctors who might otherwise seek help is the fear of mandatory reporting, however, in almost all Australian jurisdictions, treating practitioners are only required to make a notification if a doctor-patient poses a substantial risk of harm to the public (an intentionally high threshold). A mental health condition alone does not constitute impairment, nor does it trigger mandatory reporting. Western Australian law exempts treating practitioners from mandatory reporting altogether.

Understanding the treating doctor’s obligations can reduce fear, encourage early care, and support the wellbeing and safety of Australia’s GPs.

If you are feeling suicidal or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, this is not a personal or professional failing: it is a health issue and possibly a medical emergency.

Confidential help is available, and evidence shows that timely access to care significantly reduces risk and supports recovery.

Please seek support early through trusted colleagues, your own GP, Doctors’ Health Services, or dedicated practitioner support services.

Self-care is an essential component of safe practice. Although protecting your wellbeing is a personal responsibility, it is also a responsibility of the health system.

Protective factors include:

• strong professional connection
• regular reflective practice
• access to confidential care
• meaningful professional development.

Practical strategies include:

• maintaining a trusted GP and/or mental health provider
• engaging in peer support or supervision
• setting boundaries around workload and availability
• prioritising sleep, physical health and recovery time
• incorporating wellbeing-focused activities into CPD.