The FMSS is at the forefront of Australian medical schools for creating a supportive environment for students and for helping its members to maintain personal wellbeing and self-care, in what can often be a very difficult academic environment. Additionally, the FMSS opposes all forms of harassment, discrimination and bullying, and takes all matters in this area seriously and responds appropriately.
Several recent research and media reports have highlighted the consistently high rates of suicide, depression, anxiety disorders, substance use and self-medication in the medical profession, including in medical students. The FMSS has established the Health and Wellbeing subcommittee to address this pattern of illness, prevent the impact of these issues on the student body, and help students focus on their wellbeing. This is a group designed to support students in their pursuit of a career in medicine through wellbeing activities, and complements and integrates the work of the FMSS Executive Committee, the School of Medicine and the Flinders University Counselling Service.
The purpose of the Health and Wellbeing Subcommittee is to:
1. Run ‘wellbeing’ events to encourage students to focus on their own self-care
2. Ensure students feel adequately supported by FMSS and the School of Medicine
3. Address the prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders in the medical student body by raising awareness of depression and anxiety symptoms, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking
4. Develop and disseminate self-help tools specific to medical students
5. Develop a structured education program for medical students
6. Advocate for students in the areas of support, health and wellbeing
Events and services:
Health and Wellbeing Handbook
A resource for students in any year at Flinders – for day-to-day health and wellbeing tips, as well as where to find extra help if you feel you may need it. Click here to download it (500KB PDF).
Mental Health in Medicine Seminar
In 2010, we ran the first ever ‘Mental Health in Medicine Seminar’, an important new seminar that raised awareness of the impact of medical student mental illness. This was a national -first, and received significant media exposure which helped bring this important issue into the public forum. Read about or view the 2010 seminar online.
Wellbeing events and advocacy
The Health and Wellbeing team will be running a range of other events and advocacy throughout the year, focussing on three main areas:
1. Mental Health
2. Physical Activity
3. Nutrition
If you have any questions about our work in Health, Wellbeing and Anti-Discrimination, please email healthandwellbeing@fmss.org.au.
