A middle-aged man in high-visibility clothing rests on the warehouse floor, visibly stressed and fatigued, highlighting workplace emotions and occupational settings.
‘A perfect storm’ of circumstances has led to a significant increase in patients visiting their general practitioners (GPs) due to workplace-related mental health concerns, according to an expert from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). A recent newsGP poll reveals that 82% of GPs have observed a rise over the past two years in patients seeking medical certificates to take time off for depression, stress, or anxiety attributed to workplace issues.
Dr. Karen Spielman, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Psychological Medicine, expressed that she is ‘not at all surprised’ by these findings. She attributes the rise to systemic health failures that are placing additional burdens on GPs, a shortage of mental health services, and a growing awareness of mental health conditions.
Systemic Strain and Increased Awareness
Dr. Spielman explained, “Firstly, the system is so broken that GPs are bearing the brunt of everything, it’s not just workplace stress.” She further noted a general increase in community-wide depression and anxiety, coupled with fewer available services for those in need. The poll results align with the RACGP’s 2025 Health of the Nation report, which underscores a heavy reliance on general practice for mental health support. According to the report, 71% of GPs cited mental health as the top reason for patient visits, with anxiety, depression, and stress being the primary presentations.
“This is a 10% increase since the first report was released in 2017, and a result Dr. Spielman describes as ‘extraordinary’.”
Dr. Spielman also pointed out that increased awareness of anxiety and depression could be contributing to the rise in GP visits, even if a clinical diagnosis does not always follow. “People are more aware, which is a fantastic thing. That’s good, because we’re picking up more cases of people who definitely need help,” she said.
Workplace Dynamics and Mental Health
Data from the Fair Work Commission indicates a significant increase in workers’ claims against employers, with 40,190 lodgements in the 2023–24 financial year—a 27% increase from the previous year and the highest since the current national workplace relations system began in 2010. Dr. Spielman believes that more toxic workplace environments are contributing to the spike in GP visits for work certificates, as well as a rise in presenteeism, where individuals work while unwell.
“There’s so much financial distress out there, there’s so much pressure in workplaces and employment insecurity,” she said. “People are also going to work unwell because of the stress. Maybe you should have taken some time off, but you keep pushing on because of all the pressures in the workplace.”
Personal Stories and GP Support
While not all GP visits result in Fair Work claims, many patients seek medical certificates simply to manage unsustainable work conditions. One such case is Charlotte (not her real name), who sought GP support in 2025 during a challenging period attributed to her workplace. She credits her GP with providing crucial support and guidance, including health plans, letters to the Fair Work Commission, and referrals to psychologists.
“Today I am happy and healthy. I am able to work again and feel so much better for her crucial advice and guidance,” Charlotte shared.
Dr. Spielman finds stories like Charlotte’s gratifying, as they highlight the positive impact GPs can have. “That’s so nice, because we can see what sort of impact that makes on our patients when they get the support they need and deserve—they get better,” she said.
Future Directions and Recommendations
Dr. Spielman supports the RACGP’s call for longer appointments and the development of clinical guidelines for diagnosing and managing work-related mental health conditions. She emphasizes the importance of simple workplace measures, such as not requiring medical certificates for short absences, to alleviate stress on both employees and the healthcare system.
“Simple strategies like allowing their workers time off to have medical appointments would go a long way towards addressing it,” she suggested. “It doesn’t have to be yoga classes in every lunch break; just allowing people to take one or two days off without having to go to the doctor to get a medical certificate.”
As the conversation around workplace stress and mental health continues, the focus remains on finding sustainable solutions that support both employees and the healthcare professionals who care for them.
