Talking to Your GP About Your Mental Health

More often than not, we quickly see our GP when we feel that something with our physical health, doesn’t feel right. But do we approach our doctor as readily with concerns about our mental health?

Here’s the thing, mental health issues aren’t always as obvious, especially not to other people. But just the same as any physical injury or illness, they can be painful to cope with and certainly require care and attention.

Think of it this way, this last year, we’ve become pretty familiar with the symptoms of COVID-19, and if we or anyone in our household begins to display even the slightest hint, we go and get tested. In a similar way, can we become better at regularly checking our headspace for changes, and getting help if we need to?

Why should I visit my GP?

Just like with any kind of physical health concern, your GP is an important starting point for your mental health too. Why? Your general doctor is trained to assess and diagnose any potential mental health issues and then refer you for treatment to either a psychologist or a psychiatrist.

In fact, you may be interested to know that according to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the most common reason why people visit their GP today is due to psychological issues. Despite this, mental health problems fly under the radar, so to speak and are too often ignored by the person who is suffering. The average amount of time that it takes people to seek help for mental health issues in Australia alone is over 8 years. And, just the same as with any other health problem, the condition can worsen over time if not properly treated.

Getting started

Rest assured that it’s normal to feel nervous about discussing your mental health with your GP. You may feel that you are not sure what to say or even worry what your GP might think of you. In addition, you may struggle to speak about your condition as it could bring up distressing feelings and thoughts.

If you are struggling to speak to your GP, here are some tips that can help you during your appointment:

Ask for a longer appointment – make the reception team aware when you are booking that you require a longer consultation with your doctor so that you have enough time to explain your feelings without being rushed and can discuss your treatment options.

Bring someone for support – if you would find it to be helpful, why not bring along a trusted family member or friend to your appointment?

Be honest and open – don’t sugar-coat anything, explain fully what you are experiencing to your GP, even if it is difficult. With a full understanding of what you are dealing with, they will be better placed to help and suggest the right treatment option.

Write down any questions you may have – think about what you’d like to discuss during your appointment and bring these with you so that you don’t forget important points. You may want to ask questions such as ‘where can I find support and treatment?’ or ‘How effective is treatment?’. If there is something that you don’t understand, make sure you seek clarification.

Be opened minded – depending on your situation, your GP may suggest several options. As an example, he may recommend that you start medication, or that you visit a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or maybe even all of the above. Take some time to think over your treatment options and don’t be too quick to dismiss them. Also, be sure to take notes during the appointment so you can research anything that is discussed later. You can also ask for brochures, fact sheets or other printed material to take home to review.

Trust your GP – find a GP that you feel you can trust and work to build a good relationship with them. This will help you feel more comfortable when discussing personal topics, mental health-related or not. You will also get good continuity of care and this makes it easier to track your progress and overall health in the long run. Know that it’s OK if you feel that you would like to speak to a different GP. If you don’t have a regular GP, you could also ask your family and friends for any local recommendations.

In Summary

Please do not put off visiting your GP to seek support for your mental health. There is no need to suffer in silence. Health professionals are there to help you feel your best self and get the treatment that you need to recover. Your GP can point you in the right direction of who you need to see and services that can provide that level of support.

That said, if you feel that you would rather skip a visit to your GP and dive straight into therapy sessions by paying privately, that is fine too! You do not require a GP referral to book regular appointments with a psychologist. However, please note, that ALL Australians are eligible for Medicare rebates of up to 20 psychology sessions – which is not accessible without a GP referral first. For more information on payment options, please give our friendly reception team a call on 1800 327 477 (AU) or 0800 327 477 (NZ). Alternatively, click here to get started and book your appointment today.