Irish College of GPs highlights the central role of primary care in building mental resilience in a changing world.
World Family Doctor Day 2025 (19th May 2025) also emphasises the importance of doctors' awareness of their own mental health.
World Family Doctor Day (WFDD) is a global occasion to recognise the crucial role family doctors and primary care teams play in healthcare systems around the world. This annual event celebrates the vital contribution of family doctors in delivering personalised, comprehensive and continuous care to patients and communities.
This year, the theme is “Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World.”
In Ireland, the Irish College of GPs highlighted the role of Irish GPs and practice nurses in the provision of ongoing mental health services, as well as the importance of doctors’ own mental health supports.
The Mental Health Clinical Lead for the Irish College of GPs, Dr Aoife O’Sullivan, said: “Irish GPs, along with their practice nursing colleagues, see 29 million patient consultations annually. It is estimated that 10-20% of these consultations have a mental health component. In fact, over 80% of Mental Health care in Ireland takes place at the Primary Care level. “
She added: “Irish patients consistently report that in times of mental health distress or concerns, they would prefer to talk to their GP first. Communication, trust and knowing they are being heard are some of the most important factors for patients attending their GP.”
GPs are trained to recognise early symptoms of conditions such as anxiety and depression and provide early intervention where possible. GPs help patients build resilience by encouraging healthy lifestyle habits: sleep, exercise, nutrition, and substance use reduction and supporting stress management strategies.
For patients with mild to moderate anxiety and depression, GPs can refer to online guided digital therapy options such as Silvercloud, which is free to access. New innovations such as Social Prescribing help with social isolation and loneliness. Those with more severe symptoms may need medication or referral to therapy services such as CBT. Those with the most severe symptoms may need referral to community mental health services.
The Irish College of GPs is the professional body for general practice in Ireland, with over 4,400 members, and over 1,100 GPs in the 4-year training programme.
The College provides support services for members, including monthly webinars on Wellbeing, and a Practitioner’s Health Service, a confidential service providing a range of psychological supports for doctors.
Furthermore, the College has introduced a dedicated role of Trainee and Wellbeing Manager for GP trainees, to help them ensure that their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing is prioritised throughout their GP training.
Trainee and Wellbeing Manager, Caroline Drake, said, “Doctors are known to put their patients before themselves, and it’s vital that trainees learn to prioritise their wellbeing and self-care in a career where they take care of others. When family doctors are supported, their patients and communities benefit.”
She added: “Given the rising levels of burnout and the proven need for support among healthcare professionals, the Trainee Health and Wellbeing Manager is available to trainees to offer confidential guidance on trusted support services and resources tailored specifically for doctors. The message is - reach out for support.”
To find out more about WONCA World Family Doctor Day.
#WFDD25
ISSUED BY: Aileen O’Meara, Communications Consultant, Irish College of GPs.
Tel. 01 2542984 / 087 2239830 Email: media@icgp.ie