It takes courage to take the first step. You may have noticed changes in your own mood or someone close to you may have pointed out some changes they’ve seen. Either way it could be time to acknowledge that there may be reason for concern and reach out for help.
Talk to your GP
A general practitioner (GP) is generally the first port of call for any concerns you may have about mental or physical health. GP’s see people about their mental health every day and are very familiar with symptoms and treatments, so there is no need to feel uncomfortable.
If you need support, take along a close friend or family member. They can wait for you in the waiting room or come into the consultation, whichever you prefer.
Some tips to help get the most from an appointment include:
- Ensure a double appointment (30 minutes) is booked so there is ample time to discuss concerns and symptoms. The more information the doctor has, the better they can help.
- To prepare, write down details such as family and medical history, current concerns and symptoms, and a list of questions. You may need to provide information on medications, doses and recent changes.
A GP will often conduct an initial assessment themselves, discussing the outcome and treatment options. They'll then refer you to a specialised mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. You may receive all the support you need at the time from your GP, or you may go on to access more specialised care options, such as a psychiatrist or counselling. It’s good to keep an open mind about what may help.
What does an assessment entail?
An assessment will usually consist of several steps.
One of the first things a mental health professional will do is make sure you are physically healthy. Physical conditions can mimic symptoms associated with mental illness, such as thyroid disorders and vitamin deficiencies.
As there is also a genetic component associated with mental illness, the GP will also explore personal or family history.
The mental health professional will work with you to determine how long the symptoms have persisted and how life is being affected as a result. Previous or current drug or alcohol use may also be reviewed.
During the assessment, the health professional will also look for symptoms you may not be aware of. It is not uncommon for there to be more than one consultation in order to be thorough.
Finding a GP
Having a regular GP can be very useful for physical and mental health maintenance. GP’s provide initial assessments, assist in navigating the mental health system, provide referrals to other health professionals, and may offer supporting counselling.
There are a number of ways to locating a GP who will meet your needs:
- Try asking friends, family, someone at work, school or university, otherwise most GP’s are listed in Google or the Yellow Pages.
- Enquire with your local pharmacist about well-respected GP’s or those with a special interest in mental health. Chemists are a great link to the community and public opinion.
- GP’s are also available at local Community Health Services. Contact your local council for locations.
- Try a search on Infoxchange which provides an extensive electronic health, welfare and community services directory.
When locating a GP it can be helpful to enquire if they are open to developing a relationship where they provide supportive counselling as well as medication or referrals. They may be open to seeing a patient on a weekly/ fortnightly/ monthly basis for a double appointment when they are particularly unwell.
Even if supportive counselling is not an option, It is a good idea to see the same GP regularly. This means the doctor gets to know your medical history, can monitor and evaluate the reduction of symptoms and side effects, the impact of treatment, and respond to any deterioration. This familiarity can also help you feel more relaxed and comfortable talking about personal issues, making it more likely the GP is able to help.
