Dr Mark Cross is no stranger to the challenges and rewards of working in psychiatry. An award-winning psychiatrist with a rich career spanning South Africa, the UK, and Australia, Dr Cross has dedicated his life to improving mental health care, challenging stigma, and supporting his peers in the medical profession.
From his early days in South Africa to becoming a public figure through the TV series Changing Minds, Dr Cross has a wealth of experience to share. We sat down with him to unpack his career, his passion for psychiatry, and his thoughts on supporting mental wellbeing in healthcare.
A Journey from South Africa to Australia
Born and trained in South Africa, Dr Cross began his medical career during a pivotal time in the country’s history. He recalls, “I worked in a hospital ward that had just opened its doors to people of colour for the first time in 1992. My supervisor was 300 miles away, so I learned a lot directly from the nurses. It shaped how practical I am in my approach.”
After a year in South Africa, Dr Cross moved to London in 1993 to specialise in psychiatry. He worked as a Consultant Psychiatrist in the UK from 2001 to 2005. But he later felt it was time for a new adventure. “Moving to Australia in 2005 was partly about being closer to South Africa and partly fuelled by what I’d call a mid-life shift. It was the right decision for my partner and I,” he explains.
Since relocating, Dr Cross has made an indelible mark on mental health care in Australia through his leadership roles, academic contributions, and public-facing advocacy.
Falling in Love with Psychiatry
Dr Cross didn’t always envision himself as a psychiatrist. “I enjoyed obstetrics and gynaecology—I even delivered 500 babies during my career—but something about Psychiatry always drew me back,” he shares. The opportunity to connect with people on a deeper level and address complex mental health challenges convinced him he had found his calling.
Breaking Stigma Through Television
Dr Cross became a household name with the release of Changing Minds, a groundbreaking TV series shedding light on the real lives of individuals in mental health care. But the project came from a deeply personal place.
“My best friend was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2012 and had a psychotic episode. That experience strengthened our shared vision of creating a show about mental health,” he says. Despite initial anxiety about opening his professional world to the public, Dr Cross embraced the process and the impact was profound.
The show was a resounding success. “It helped challenge stigma and showed the humanity of people living with severe mental illness,” Dr Cross explains. His hope was for audiences to see that mental health challenges do not define a person.
Addressing Stigma and Raising Awareness
When asked about his primary message regarding mental illness, Dr Cross states plainly, “Mental health shouldn’t scare people. It’s important to empower others and show that even those with severe mental illness are just that—people. If treated properly, they will respond.”
Dr Cross is also passionate about addressing mental health challenges within the medical profession itself. “Doctors face high levels of stress, relationship issues, and substance abuse. Female doctors are at particularly high risk of suicide, and these issues need urgent attention,” he says.
His advice? Offering a non-stigmatising and supportive environment is key to encouraging doctors to speak up. “We need systems that make it as easy as possible for medical professionals to come forward. Saying ‘I need help’ should not feel like a career-ending decision.”
Balancing Work and Life
Work-life balance is more than a buzzword for Dr Cross; it’s an integral part of maintaining good mental health as a healthcare professional. “The on-call responsibilities of medical work can be overwhelming, but setting boundaries makes all the difference,” he explains.
Dr Cross emphasises practical ways to manage balance, including sharing on-call loads, being deliberate about time off, and protecting personal time. “I don’t give my personal number to patients. Boundaries like that are essential for maintaining both my mental health and my ability to care effectively for others,” he shares.
He also recommends prioritising self-care through exercise, proper nutrition, and quality time with loved ones. “It’s about finding small ways to separate work stress from your personal life so you can recharge,” he says.
Early Signs of Mental Illness to Watch For
Dr Cross believes behavioural changes are often the first indicator that someone may need support. He advises loved ones and colleagues to be observant. “If someone becomes withdrawn or acts differently than usual, it’s often a sign something deeper is going on,” he explains.
Encouraging open communication and offering gentle support are key ways to help someone who may be struggling.
The Path to Breaking Stigma
Dr Cross is optimistic that Australian society can overcome the stigma surrounding mental health. “When we focus on values like mateship and support, which are core to being Australian, there’s real potential for change,” he says.
However, he acknowledges there is still work to be done. Creating a culture where seeking help is not only accepted but encouraged will require effort at every level—from institutions to individuals.
Final Thoughts
For Dr Mark Cross, psychiatry is more than a career; it’s a platform for making meaningful contributions to the lives of patients and the broader community. Whether through his clinical work, public advocacy, or contributions to medical education, he remains a steadfast voice in advancing mental health care and breaking down stigma.
His advice to healthcare professionals is simple but powerful. “To care for others, you must also care for yourself. Make time to rest, reflect, and recharge. It’s not only good for you but for your patients too.”
If you’re interested in joining Healthcare Australia and contributing to meaningful change in mental health care, contact us today at doctors@healthcareaustralia.com.au or call 1300 889 133.
