Not in the script: doctors turn to parkrun and social activities to treat chronic conditions

When Steph* developed insomnia and depression in her late teens, she was told to stay away from technology and try to exercise.

Now the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has partnered with parkrun Australia to help tackle ballooning rates of chronic illness.

The community partnership allows general practices to make ties with one of 450 local events and prescribe parkrun to their patients for health and wellbeing.

The RACGP president, Dr Karen Price, says the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and associated lockdowns exacerbated chronic illness, but it has been hard to find concrete, practical recommendations for her patients.

It is estimated that 20% of Australians live with two or more chronic conditions. Half of people with mental health issues have a chronic disease.

But it has been a challenge to find suitable programs that are free, accessible and inclusive for patients.

Cancer nurse Alicia Hopper has attended parkrun in Adelaide for six years.

Steph ended up changing GPs, and her current doctor works with her on a range of strategies, including apps for insomnia and the prescription of melatonin, a natural hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.