Mental health of doctors in training suffering under long hours

“A healthy medical profession is vital to patient safety and quality of care, and the sustainability of the medical workforce.” However, we are seeing an increasing amount of evidence linking long hours to poor mental health outcomes for junior doctors. Read more

Mental Health First Aid and self-care over the holiday season

If you need Mental Health First Aid and self-care over the holiday season, phone counselling is open 24/7.  This confidential, free service is available for all staff and students.  Please see contact numbers below:

• Students: 1300 STUDENT (1300 788 336)
• Staff: 1300 360 364 

MRFF - Pharmacogenomics research to improve mental health care

In recent months we have seen many delays in the MRFF. This is to update you on the recently announced $7M grant round for ground-breaking research into the use of Pharmacogenomics to improve mental health treatment outcomes and help reduce suicide.

Compassion-Focused Therapy - acting, role plays and chair work

Southern Synergy, a Monash University Faculty Research Centre closely linked to and supported by the Monash Health Mental Health program, is hosting a one-day workshop on Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) – Acting, Role Plays and Chair Work.

Pharmacogenomics research to improve mental health care

The Government have announced a $7M grant round for ground-breaking research into the use of pharmacogenomics to improve mental health treatment outcomes and help reduce suicide.

Medicine graduate Sam Cooper helping to improve the lives of resettled refugees

Sam Cooper receives the Shaun Summers
award from Dr Anthony White from the
School of Clinical Sciences

Being able to make a small yet positive impact to those he encounters is what graduate, Sam Cooper, hopes a career in medicine will bring. Yet, as the recipient of the 2018 Shaun Summers Award for Medical Student Research, Sam has already shown just how much of an impact he is making – especially to the lives of refugee families in Australia.

Dr Simon Craig awarded $5 million in MRFF Million Minds Mission Grant

Congratulations to Dr Simon Craig who has received five million dollars in funding in the recent Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Million Minds Mission grant opportunity, announced last week by the Minister for Health, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP.

Reminder to register - Mindfulness for productivity, efficiency and sustainable performance

All Monash staff are invited to register for Mindfulness for productivity, efficiency and sustainable performance

Mindfulness for productivity, efficiency and sustainable performance

All Monash staff are invited to register for Mindfulness for productivity, efficiency and sustainable performance

Update from Counselling and Mental Health Programs

New Employee Assistance Provider

After quite a few years we have changed our EAP provider to Davidson Trahaire Corpsych and therefore we have a new phone number 1300 360 364.  Please discard any old business cards or safety and wellbeing cards.  I can replace them if you let me know you need some. 

Some perks of being with the new provider are;

·         24/7 phone service available

·         Students and staff are able to get counselling off campus (6 sessions free)

·         Access to more workshops and seminars (at a cost)

·         The DTC GreatLife App available for download 

Student Mental Health Champions

A team of students comprising of all faculties, various modes of study, and across campuses (Clayton, Caulfield and Parkville) have been chosen to join our leadership initiative.  These students are passionate about reducing the stigma of mental illness and improving student engagement about these topics.  They meet on monthly basis and coordinate initiatives.  Here are some of their wins so far;

·         The ‘Smile for mental health’ comedy night during Summerfest (260 tickets sold)

·         Speaking engagement at MRS - Howitt Hall (150+ residents)

·         Peer led study skills workshop in concert with Yulendji Indigenous Engagement Unit

·         Partnerships formed - with MUBS (Berwick) and MONSU (Peninsula); upcoming speaking engagements planned

·         Participated in videos and provided feedback for our new ‘Changing Minds’ online course

·         A social media campaign for SWOTVAC – see the Monash Uni facebook page this week

Minto Felix will continue to lead this awesome bunch until the end of the year.

The launch of our 1 hour moodle course ‘Changing Minds’

‘Changing Minds’ is an online course targeting students.  The aim is to develop their understanding of mental illness and the importance of recognising signs and symptoms in order to offer help / direct someone to seek help and the Counselling Services that are available at Monash University.  Although this has only been a soft launch we have already had approximately 70 students complete it.  It’s hoped that this acts as a bit of a tasters and inspires them to do more face-to-face courses like MHFA.  Feel free to check it out and provide feedback  http://moodle.vle.monash.edu/course/view.php?id=26428

Upcoming staff courses

Description	Format	Upcoming dates	Cost
Understanding Mental Health seminar (Previously called Mental Health Awareness) Designed to help you recognise distress in others as well as the support services available within the University and wider community.	A 3 hour seminar	For staff and student groups on request	Free
Mental Health First Aid Training A workshop to equip you with resources to help someone developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis until professional help is available	2 day training	Clayton: 28 & 29 June Caulfield: 11 & 12 July Clayton: 23 & 24 November	$180 Internationally recognised certificate provided
SafeTALK: Suicide awareness & first response training Most people with thoughts of suicide invite help, either directly or indirectly. This half-day program helps you identify and work with these opportunities. SafeTALK stresses safety while challenging beliefs that inhibit open talk about suicide.	3.5 hour workshop	Caulfield: 7 July Parkville: 16 September Clayton:  27 September Caulfield: 27 September	$30 Internationally recognised certificate provided
Mind Body Medicine Using a combination of presentations, discussion and practical exercises to promote emotional health and relaxation.	4 x 90 minutes sessions	Clayton: September 23, October 7, 14 and 21	Free
Mindful for Stress Reduction Reduce stress, and improve mental health, wellbeing and resilience using mindfulness. Consists of weekly formal mindfulness meditation practices, cognitive strategies and reflective activities designed to enhance both the professional and personal life of staff and students.	6 x 60 minute sessions	Clayton: Aug 12, 19, 26, Sep 2, 9, 23	Free
ESSENCE of health A comprehensive lifestyle program underpinned by enabling strategies such as mindfulness, enhancing motivation, goal setting and behaviour change. This practical course enables participants to apply the ESSENCE model to personal and professional life including setting and working towards healthy lifestyle goals.	6 x 60 minute sessions	Clayton: Oct 6, 13, 20, Nov 3, 10, 17	Free
Mindfulness Train the trainer Aimed at people who have completed basic mindfulness training, have a regular personal practice of mindfulness, and wish to enhance skills to teach it in various educational and professional settings. Topics include: introducing mindfulness as a concept, teaching mindfulness meditation, mindful inquiry and debriefing, and working with groups	4 x 90 minutes sessions	Clayton: September 23, October 7, 14 and 21	Free
Mindfulness for wellbeing, resilience and performance - Staff This introductory workshop is broken into two parts: Part 1 is an introduction including the background to mindfulness. Part 2 focuses on practically implementing mindfulness-based strategies in personal and professional life.	Half day	Wellington Rd: 30 August	$70
Mindfulness for wellbeing, resilience and performance - Supervisors Includes Part 1 and Part 2 for staff with the addition of Part 3, which explores how supervisors can incorporate mindfulness into teamwork and workplace culture. Those wishing to deepen the understanding of mindfulness and the ability to apply it should look at doing one of the 5 or 6 week courses offered.	Half day	Wellington Rd: 29 November	$70
Lunchtime drop-in meditation sessions Guided mindfulness meditation sessions. A great way to get started with mindfulness or to deepen your existing practice.	30 minute sessions	Students and staff	Free

PULSAR project - GP training in Mental Health

Registered general practitioners are south-east Melbourne are invited to participate in Recovery Oriented Practice training.  

Please see here for details.

Survey - Health and Wellbeing in the Faculty - please complete by 16 January

Two years ago, the Faculty offered staff a “health check” and, from this, a report was developed on the health and wellbeing of our staff. It identified a number of issues that may be addressed by an increase in physical and mental health activity.

Therefore, in 2015, we would like to promote participation in the University’s health and wellbeing program.  Items on offer will include fitness programs like yoga and pilates, general health information sessions, nutrition based programs and mindfulness/resilience programs to name a few.

To assist us in tailoring the wellbeing program for our faculty, your feedback to the 2014 Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences Staff Health and Wellbeing Survey would be extremely valuable. The survey closes on 16 January, 2015.

(Detailed information on the SWAP programs available go to http://www.monash.edu/ohs/wellbeing/swap.html.)

Finalised programs to be offered to the faculty will be available early in 2015.

Unique opportunity for GPs in mental health

GPs working in mental health in south east Melbourne are being offered an opportunity to participate in an Australian-first project.

The PULSAR project (Principles Unite Local Services Assisting Recovery) aims to implement and evaluate recovery-oriented practice in mental health across primary care sites and specialist mental health services in the catchment of Monash Health. 

Recovery-oriented practice aims to support people in their personal recovery goals by improving their mental health and wellness, live in a self-directed life, and reach their full potential. 

The $2.3 million project is being funded by the Victorian Government to set up training and assess the application of recovery-oriented practice in primary care and specialist mental health.