When your loved one is open to seeking support, it's important to acknowledge that it can take a lot of courage to take the first step.
Linking in with a GP
A general practitioner (GP) is generally the first port of call for any concerns a person may have about mental or physical health. GPs see people about their mental health every day and are very familiar with symptoms and treatments.
You may like to show your support by offering to make an appointment, going along to wait in the waiting room, or sitting in on the consultation, whichever is most appropriate.
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, suggest the person write down details such as family and medical history, current concerns and symptoms, and a list of questions. Anticipate needing to provide information on medications, doses and recent changes.
A GP will often conduct an initial assessment themselves, discussing outcome and treatment options. A person may receive all the support they nedd at the time from their GP, or 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 the person is physically healthy. Physical conditions can often 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 alongside the person 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 the person may not be aware of. More than one consultation may be required.
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 counselling in some situations.
There are a number of ways to locate an appropriate GP:
- Try asking friends, family, someone at work, school or university, otherwise most GP’s are listed in Google and the Yellow Pages.
- Ask your local pharmacist about well-respected GP’s, or those with a special interest in mental health, in the area. 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 more regular basis for a double appointment when they are particularly unwell.
It is a good idea to see the same GP regularly, this means they get to know a person and their medical history. The doctor can then monitor and evaluate the reduction of symptoms and side effects, impact of treatment, and hopefully respond to deterioration. This familiarity also helps a person feel more relaxed when seeing their GP and comfortable talking about personal issues.
