Doctors preparing for financial crisis health fallout
AMA Queensland has called for all Queenslanders to be prepared for the health fallout of the global financial crisis.
AMA Queensland President Dr Chris Davis said it was inevitable uncertain financial times were placing significant stress on many Queenslanders, and it was imperative people did not try to carry such stress alone.
“It is becoming increasingly obvious we have severely underestimated the likely health fallout of the current global financial crisis,” Dr Davis said.
“Recent surveys have found the number of Queensland employers planning to cut staff has tripled over the past year, and we also know one in 10 Queensland households now have someone who has lost their job this year.*
“The Premier and Treasurer are telling Queenslanders the global financial crisis is going to get worse and it is inevitable this will have a damaging impact on the health and wellbeing of many people experiencing this crisis first-hand.
“The Prime Minister this week admitted for the first time Australia is headed for a recession, and this was confirmed by the Reserve Bank of Australia Governor yesterday, who stated Australia is already in recession – a confirmation set to place more stress on Queensland families,” he said.
Dr Davis said there were many health conditions that could be caused as a result of suffering from financial or job-related stress that Queenslanders needed to be aware of.
“Many people under extreme financial pressure may be opting to eat cheaper, less nutritious foods to save money and this can have a detrimental impact on your health long-term.
“Anxiety, fatigue, loss of appetite, mood swings, and feelings of being overwhelmed could all also be signs financial or job-related stress is impacting on a person’s health.**
“Such feelings or symptoms can often be exaggerated through trying to carry the burden alone – it is imperative if you are struggling to cope with financial or job-related stress that you talk about it or seek help if it is starting to impact on your overall health and wellbeing and your GP or treating doctor is a great place to start.
“Many people often blame themselves if they are under intense financial pressure or have lost their jobs when in reality it is not their fault, particularly in the current crisis.
Dr Davis said doctors also remained concerned by the number of people skipping medication doses or not seeking medical help because of increasing financial pressures.
“A recent study found that in 2008, 36 per cent of chronically ill Australians had failed to fill a prescription, skipped a dose of their medication, did not visit a doctor when they were unwell or did not get recommended tests or treatment because of rising costs.***
“Research indicates there is a direct correlation between reported levels of financial stress, missed medical treatment, failure to fill prescriptions and going without necessary dental care – something of significant concern for Queensland doctors and health professionals.****
AMA Queensland is currently in the process of developing a comprehensive campaign to help raise awareness of the health fallout of the global financial crisis and to provide support to people struggling to cope with financial or job-related stress.
“AMA Queensland is proactively putting actions in place to help address the health fallout of this crisis and to help aid employers who may also want to provide support to employees and colleagues struggling to cope,” Dr Davis said.
“We are committed to taking the lead in encouraging people to talk about the stress and pressure they may be under in the current economic climate and to seek help if this stress is affecting their health.
“We welcome the opportunity to work with other major stakeholders in rolling-out this vital campaign and in making an impact in addressing the health fallout not just in the immediate future but in dealing with the long-term effects caused as a result of the financial crisis,” he said.
AMA Queensland is intending to launch its Good health is a good investment campaign in July 2009 to coincide with the beginning of the new financial year.
* Hudson (2009). The Hudson Report. Available athttp://au.hudson.com/documents/Hudson-Report-23-EE-NATIONAL.pdf.
** Beyond Blue (2008). Taking care of yourself after retrenchment or financial loss. Available at: http://www.beyondblue.org.au
*** Schoen, C et al (2008). In Chronic Condition: Experiences of Patients with Complex Health Care Needs, in Eight Countries. Health Affairs Nov 13 2008, w1-w16.
**** Menzies Centre for Health Policy (2009). Recession and depression. Available at: http://www.menzieshealthpolicy.edu.au/MCHP_V3/site/index.php.
