Dr Liam Hackett is proud to show off his funky sock collection, which has been slowly growing ever since he first participated in Crazy Socks4Docs Day as a medical student.
Now as an Advanced Trainee Registrar in PA Hospital’s Emergency Department Mental Health Team, he wears his quirkiest socks on the first Friday of every June to help break down the stigma around mental health in doctors.
“We often perceive that we can’t care for others if we ourselves admit that we have a problem, but the truth is very different because we can’t pour from an empty cup,” said Dr Hackett.
“To care for other people, you need to first care for yourself. Sometimes it’s easier said than done because you need a helping hand, either through colleagues, friends, or family.
“That’s what Crazy Socks4Docs Day is all about. By wearing funky and colourful socks it starts a discussion.”
With more than 2,000 doctors across Metro South Health, Dr Hackett is hoping this year’s awareness day will be full of bright colours and bold conversations.
“Quite a lot of people in Australia suffer from mental illness but it’s often kept on the down low. This is particularly true amongst a variety of professionals, not just doctors.
“Support often comes from two main categories, formal and informal. At an organisation like ours for example there are escalating support structures, but there’s also an avenue for informal support.
“Have a chat with a colleague and really connect with them. That can often mean quite a lot to people.
“If we don’t have the discussion, it’ll never be talked about,” said Dr Hackett.
And if you were wondering about Dr Hackett’s favourite pair of socks – he admits it has to be the pair celebrating his two cats Luna and Kuro.