“Nurturing Change: How One Mother is Shining a Light on Mental Illness in Australia’s Healthcare System”

Mother Raises Awareness about Mental Illness in Healthcare Sector on R U Ok? Day

Indrani Tharmanason, a mother who tragically lost her daughter Tasha to depression and suicide, is determined to ensure that her daughter’s life is not forgotten. With a team called Travelling with Tash, Indrani and her friends and family are embarking on various adventures to raise awareness about mental health issues in the healthcare sector.

The first event involved riding bikes through 55 kilometers of hilly, dirt-covered tracks in the Gravel Giro at Warburton. Another event, a 30-kilometer charity fundraising Coastrek walk in Mornington Peninsula, took place in 2022. The next event, cycling along Mt Arapiles during Mental Health Week in October, is also in the works.

The Stigma and Stress of the Medical Industry

Tasha, a young doctor, loved her work and had a deep passion for medicine. However, she also faced immense stress and anxiety about not getting accepted into specialist pediatrics training, which had always been her dream. Indrani believes that one of the factors that contributed to Tasha’s struggle was the stigma surrounding mental health in the medical industry.

According to Australian research published in the Medical Journal of Australia, female doctors take their own lives at a rate 2.27 times higher than the general population, while male doctors have a suicide rate 1.41 times higher. Additionally, a study conducted during the pandemic found that over half of healthcare workers were struggling with depression, nearly 60 percent with anxiety, and more than 70 percent with moderate to severe burnout.

Breaking the Silence and Increasing Support

Indrani emphasizes the urgent need to address the prevalence of mental health issues in the medical industry. By sharing her daughter’s story and participating in these events, she hopes to break the silence and encourage open discussions about mental health among professionals.

Indrani strongly believes that doctors should not be stigmatized for experiencing anxiety or other mental health challenges. On the contrary, she argues that doctors who have personally experienced mental health issues may have a deeper understanding of the struggles their patients face.

She encourages more people to join her in raising awareness and supporting medical practitioners facing mental illness. As she prepares for the upcoming cycling event, Indrani highlights the beneficial effects of physical activity on mental health and invites others to participate.

Editorial: Addressing Mental Health in the Healthcare Sector

The case of Tasha reinforces the urgent need for increased support and resources for mental health in the healthcare sector. The stigma surrounding mental illness within the medical industry must be dismantled to create a culture where seeking help is not seen as a weakness.

The statistics regarding the high suicide rates among doctors, particularly female doctors, are deeply concerning and demand immediate attention. It is crucial that healthcare institutions take proactive steps to prioritize the mental well-being of their staff, providing accessible mental health resources and support.

Additionally, medical training programs should incorporate robust mental health education to equip future doctors with the tools to recognize and address their own mental health needs, as well as those of their patients.

The initiatives led by Indrani Tharmanason and her team are commendable. By raising awareness and funds for mental health organizations like Beyond Blue, they are making a tangible impact in the healthcare sector. Their efforts should serve as an inspiration for others to actively engage in the conversation surrounding mental health.

Advice for Individuals and Institutions

For Individuals:

• Reach out for help: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, do not hesitate to seek support from helplines such as Lifeline or Beyond Blue.
• Break the silence: Share your experiences and concerns openly with trusted friends, family, or professionals. Talking about mental health can help reduce stigma and encourage others to seek help.
• Take care of your well-being: Engage in activities that promote mental well-being, such as exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature.

For Institutions and Healthcare Providers:

• Invest in mental health resources: Allocate resources to support the mental health of healthcare professionals, including counseling services and access to mental health professionals.
• Nurture a supportive culture: Create an environment where healthcare professionals feel comfortable seeking help and openly discussing mental health concerns.
• Integrate mental health education: Include comprehensive mental health education in medical training programs to equip future doctors with the necessary knowledge and skills to address mental health issues.

By collectively addressing mental health in the healthcare sector, we can create a culture of support and well-being for doctors and ensure that tragedies like Tasha’s are prevented in the future.