Australian National Bushfire Health and Wellbeing Study

15/05/2023

Today's release of ANU research into the impact of disasters on psychologists and patients is more evidence that too many psychologists are working in unsustainable and unsafe conditions across the country.

The research found that since 2019:
• More than 50% of psychologists are burnt out or at risk of burning out
• Many likely have General Anxiety Disorder (11%) or Major Depressive Disorder (18%)
• Three quarters of psychologists reported increased anxiety, stress/wellbeing, climate distress and adjustment issues in their patients, and
• More than 50% of psychologists reported increased depression, trauma, loss/grief, complex mental health and child behaviour management issues in their patients.

This is yet another stark reminder that the Federal Government needs to support a profession in crisis.

Despite mental ill-health being Australia’s leading health condition, the Federal Government is meeting just 35% of its own workforce target for psychologists, the lowest of any mental health profession.

The workforce crisis underpins many of the problems facing psychologists and patients and must be prioritised alongside greater wellbeing support for psychologists. We can and must do better.

Full story below

15/05/2023

The report from the Australian National University, which so many of our members contributed to, has been released. The report details the extent to which the psychology workforce is at a crisis point, with the results mirroring our own research. The report showed that around one in three psychologists reported symptoms of depression, while almost half, 47.6%, reported low wellbeing. More than a quarter reported burnout, while a third were in danger of burnout.

Without time and resources dedicated to solutions that can ease the burden, the workforce will continue to suffer - mentally, physically, financially and in their relationships.

Psychologists have supported their clients and communities through an incredibly turbulent time. We must act to protect and support psychologists.

AAPi supports every recommendation in the ANU report in particular the need to increase the capacity of the workforce through training, to promote the wellbeing of psychologists, to reduce barriers of time and cost to access supervision and professional development, and to streamline systems to reduce administrative burdens.

The endorsement and two-tier rebate system have ripped the psychology profession apart, devalued many thousands of qualified and experienced psychologists, and made their services increasingly unaffordable.

The one thing we continue to cry out for, for the sake of our clients and our profession, is an end to the two-tier system and an increase in the Medicare rebate to $150 across the board for the client of every psychologist.

More must be done to support psychologists so they can continue to do the incredible and lifesaving work they do every day.

Read this full update and our media coverage on the topic, here: https://www.aapi.org.au/Web/News/Articles/anupsychologyreport.aspx

15/05/2023

Bushfires, floods and COVID-19 have created a perfect storm for busy psychologists who say they have reached a crisis point.A new study by Australian National University researchers has found a significant number of psychologists experienced burnout because of recent disaster events.

15/05/2023

Since late 2019 Australian psychologists have been working among disasters and it's taking a toll. New The Australian National University shows it's important to support the psychology workforce to recover from recent disasters, stabilise and strengthen the workforce, and prepare us to respond effectively to future disasters.

https://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/handle/1885/289159

04/05/2023

Our preliminary report, released this week, shows psychologists are at "crisis point" in the wake of recent disasters.

Australian psychologists are highly skilled and dedicated to supporting the Australian community. Over the last two years, multiple weather disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to escalating demand and complexity of their work. Psychologists have responded with flexibility, creativity, and resilience.

But the results of our survey suggest the ongoing pressures, combined with inadequate structural support, are taking their toll. More than a quarter of psychologists surveyed reported burnout, and a further third were in danger of burnout. Almost half reported low personal wellbeing.

Action is urgently needed to stabilise and strengthen the workforce, and to better support individual psychologists.

Read more:

A significant number of psychologists have experienced burnout and negative impacts on their mental health because of recent disasters, according to a new study by researchers at The Australian National University (ANU). There has been a growing demand for psychologists as Australians deal with the....

24/11/2022

We are seeking psychologists who can share their experience of working through bushfire, flood, COVID-19 and other challenges to complete our survey.

Your opinion could help inform future policy and support advocacy for our psychology workforce. By completing our survey, you will have a chance to win 1 of 6 $50 e-vouchers! Have your say at https://anu.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cNE8BfEva9XzZAi

Beyond Blue The Australian National University

07/11/2022

We need to hear from psychologists about the impact of bushfires, Covid-19, and other disasters on the psychology workforce. What do psychologists need to better support their communities now and in future?

Help us gather data that can be used for advocacy and policy development. Take the 15-30 minute survey and you could win a $50 e-giftcard. Six to be won!
https://anu.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cNE8BfEva9XzZAi

07/11/2022

Thank you to all those who took the time to share their experiences for the Australian National Bushfire Health and Wellbeing Survey. The report is coming soon. Stay tuned!

24/03/2022

Are you a parent who was affected by the Black Summer fires?
We want to talk to you about the health and wellbeing of you and your family after the bushfires and Covid-19. We want to understand how better to support fire-affected families in future.

You will receive a $50 e-gift card if you take part in a 1-2 hour interview.

Click below for more information.
bit.ly/3a71pAt

12/04/2021

CLOSING SOON. Last chance to share your views!
Take our survey about bushfires, health and wellbeing to help us identify how best to support people in future.

Click below to complete a 20-40 minute survey about bushfires. You could also win a $50 e-gift card!
bit.ly/3a71pAt

12/02/2021

Have your say!
Take our survey about bushfires, health and wellbeing to help us identify how best to support people in future.

Click below if you'd like to complete a 20-40 minute survey about bushfires. You could also win a $50 e-gift card!
bit.ly/3a71pAt

Help us understand how to protect the health and wellbeing of individuals in bushfire-affected communities. We invite you to take part in a survey to share your experiences of the 2019-2020 bushfire season and how life has been since. We invite all persons, whether or not you have been affected by b...

08/02/2021

Please take our survey about bushfires, health and wellbeing. You will help us identify how best to support people in future. You could also win a $50 Prezzee card! Head to our website for more information:
bit.ly/3a71pAt

Help us understand how to protect the health and wellbeing of individuals in bushfire-affected communities. We invite you to take part in a survey to share your experiences of the 2019-2020 bushfire season and how life has been since. We invite all persons, whether or not you have been affected by b...