In this episode I am delighted to welcome Dr Geoff Toogood. Geoff is a consultant cardiologist based in Victoria. In addition to his busy clinical role, he wears several other important hats. He is perhaps most known for his prominent advocacy work raising awareness and reducing stigma surrounding the mental health and wellbeing of health care professionals. He refers to himself as a "walk the talk" doctor. Indeed his willingness to very publicly share his own lived experience with significant periods of mental ill health in the past serve as a powerful tool to help others. I have referred to Geoff and his work on the podcast more than once now and it was great to hear more about his ambassador work with Beyond Blue and discuss his own important initiative Crazy Socks 4 Docs. We speak about this year's event and the work we still need to do in translating awareness into tangible change and action. Geoff articulates this well as the "missing middle" .
Geoff is also an impressive endurance swimmer and I was fascinated to hear more about his incredible feats and the influence this has had on his physical and mental wellbeing.
As this podcast space develops recurring themes emerge and the mutual and overlapping experiences of my guests are apparent. The power of lived experience, advocacy in action and courage we gain through connection are revisited here.
Although concluding we still have work to do, I left this conversation uplifted and with reaffirmed resolve. I look forward, one day, to reading Geoff's book.
More about Geoff and Crazy Socks 4 Docs and links discussed here:
https://www.crazysocks4docs.com.au
https://twitter.com/gdtoogood
https://masteringintensivecare.libsyn.com/episode-44-geoff-toogood-from-severe-depression-to-mental-health-advocacy-through-crazysocks4docs
For Doctors and Medical Students
https://drs4drs.com.au/getting-help/
In Victoria and Tasmania
https://vdhp.org.au/home/links
In Crisis Call 1300 374 377 ( 24/7 help line)
If you are not a Dr or Medical Student
Call Life line 13 11 14
Beyond Blue
HandnHand Peer Support for All Health Care Workers
https://m.facebook.com/HandnHandAU/
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/ten/
Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care professional. Moreover views expressed here are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our employers or other official organisations.
The Mind Full Medic Podcast is proudly sponsored by the MBA NSW-ACT Find out more about their service or donate today at www.mbansw.org.au
Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care professional. Moreover views expressed here are our own and do not necessarily reflect those of our employers or other official organisations.