Team Royal celebrating Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day

You may have seen some colourful socks around RBWH on Friday 3 June, with staff across the hospital donning their craziest socks for doctor’s mental health.

Crazy Socs 4 Docs Day is an important awareness raising event to address the stigma around mental health in doctors.

The initiative was started by Australia Cardiologist Dr Geoff Toogood, who has lived experience of depression and anxiety. A number of years ago, his new puppy had eaten virtually all his socks forcing him to wear odd socks to work. He didn’t mention the socks but people noticed and talked behind his back, questioning his mental health. No one asked if he was ok. From here, Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day was born.

RBWH Deputy Director Medical Services Dr Chris Beck said Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day acts as a reminder that it is ok to not be ok, that it is ok to ask for help, and is a fun way that we can normalise doctors seeking help if they need it.

“As I went around the hospital on Crazy Socks 4 Docs with my crazy socks pulled over the bottom of my trousers, I was greeted by a combination of puzzled looks, laughs, and lots of amusement,” Dr Beck said.

“It was even greater when other staff hitched their trousers up to show they too were wearing crazy socks in solidarity.  To see so many doctors and non-doctors get involved was terrific.

“My choice for the day were a gorgeous multi coloured spotty pair – my kids love keeping me well stocked for #crazysocs4docsday!”

A morning tea was also held on the day in the Doctors Common Room, providing sweet treats and an opportunity for doctors to connect with each other.

Well done to everyone who got involved with this important initiative.