Crazy Socks 4 Docs – National launch held in Perth
Western Australia really stepped it up for mental health. Doctors’ Health Advisory Service WA (DHASWA) – in collaboration with MDA National, South Metropolitan Health Service and the AMA (WA) – hosted the national launch for Crazysocks4docs Day 2025 at Fiona Stanley Hospital on Friday 6 June.
Crazy Socks 4 Docs was founded in Victoria by Dr Geoff Toogood, who was a guest at the launch, to raise awareness of the mental health challenges faced by doctors and to reduce the stigma that still surrounds seeking support. While the movement began with colourful socks as a symbol of solidarity, the focus has expanded to include systemic change and workplace-level solutions.
The launch included lunch and networking, followed by a panel discussion focused on how hospitals and health services can take meaningful steps to support doctors’ wellbeing, and that we all have a role to play in supporting colleagues in the workplace. It was open to all healthcare professionals and students, with the option to attend in person or virtually.
Panellists included Dr Toogood; Associate Professor Helen Wilcox, Medical Director of DHASWA and Dean of Medicine at UWA; Associate Professor Jon Chan, Chief Wellbeing Officer at Fiona Stanley Hospital; and Dr Renae Long, President of the SMOS Junior Doctor Society. The panel discussion centred on how organisations can move from raising awareness to implementing tangible, evidence-based improvements in workplace culture and mental health support.
Dr Toogood emphasised the importance of seeking help early, while discussing the mental health struggles he was facing, and the responses from his colleagues that led him to start the initiative.
“If someone was really worried about me, they should have come up and spoken to me. And I wanted to use that adversity as a pivot point to change the conversation, and it grew out of that,” he said.
Health and Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat attended the launch and lauded the movement (pictured above, front and centre, between Dr Toogood and then AMA (WA) president Dr Michael Page).
“Whatever work people do, whatever lives people live, we know that mental health can have an impact; and so being able to talk about that openly, frankly and freely is a really important first step,” she said.
“There should be no stigma attached to seeking support and seeking help when people need it. So this event today is a really important part of doing that, but also highlighting what resources and supports are available.”
🌐 For more information, visit crazysocks4docs.com.au
