#CRAZYSOCKS4DOCS
“Crazy Socks for Docs” (#CS4D) is an annual event which highlights mental health challenges experienced by doctors and makes it OK to talk about them.
Just like any person doctors can experience the full range of mental health issues - anxiety, depression, burnout, fear, anger and more.
The high-pressure nature of the job and some of the circumstances doctors are exposed to – not to mention working hours and conditions – can leave doctors vulnerable. Concerningly, doctors have a high suicide rate compared to most other professions.
You can read more about how "Crazy Socks 4 Docs" came about and the aims of the event below.
FIRST FRIDAY IN JUNE
History of #CS4D
Crazy Socks for Docs was created by Victorian doctor Geoff Toogood in 2017, who has lived experience of depression and anxiety.
After wearing odd socks to work one day, Dr Toogood found people were talking behind his back and questioning his mental health. The reality was, his new puppy had been eating his socks but he was struck by the stigma and discrimination still associated with mental health and wellbeing.
The initiative – now a global movement – calls upon people everywhere to wear fun socks on the first Friday in June, to raise awareness and normalise the mental health conversation. You can read more on https://www.crazysocks4docs.com.au/
SASMOA began supporting Crazy Socks for Docs in 2019 and it has grown each year.
#CS4D 2021
In 2021 SASMOA and Doctors' Health SA embraced Crazy Socks for Docs with a major fundraising breakfast which featured guest speaker Professor Michael Kidd (Australia's Deputy Chief Medical Officer) and a Panel of speakers, facilitated by Paul Kitching.
LEFT - Professor Michael Kidd being interviewed by Paul Kitching
BELOW - Panel of Speakers, from L to R
Mr Huy Pham medical student at Adelaide University and representative for the Australian Medical Student Association; Dr Maria Gardiner Clinical Psychologist & Co-Director ThinkWell; Dr Katie Woodhouse, Emergency Medical Registrar; Dr Christine Lai Senior Staff Specialist Queen Elizabeth Hospital; Dr Penny Need GP and Medical Educator; Mr Joep van Agteren Co-Lead SAHMRI Wellbeing & Resilience Centre; Dr Roger Sexton, Medical Director, Doctors’ Health SA
Health Minister Stephen Wade (right) and
Shadow Health Minister Chris Picton
SASMOA President Dr Laura Willington (left) and
Chief Industrial Officer Bernadette Mulholland
#CS4D 2020
In 2020 SA health professionals and SASMOA embraced Crazy Socks for Docs, not just by wearing colourful socks (see video below), but with a series of video messages and other promotional activities.
Video Messages about mental health from SASMOA doctors
The following SASMOA doctors kindly provided video messages to promote #CrazySocks4Docs Day 2020.
Mental Health Webinar
On 30 June 2020 a mental health webinar facilitated by the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation featured SASMOA President Dr David Pope, Professor Michael Baigent, Dr Roger Sexton, Dr Emily Kirkpatrick, Dr Cate Howell and Dr Diana Lawrence.
You can watch a recording of the 30 minute webinar below.