Going to the GP With a Mental Health Issue

When you or one of your family members is experiencing a mental health issue, often the first point of call is the local general practitioner (GP). But GPs can be too rushed: they can be overworked, so here are some tips from Beyond Blue’s Dr Grant Blashki to help you.

1. Try to find the right GP for you: Asking friends and colleagues about their experience of speaking to a GP is a great way to find out which GPs are interested in mental health issues.

2. Check the cost: It’s a good idea to find out how much the GP visit is going to cost, because not all GPs bulk bill and there may well be a private fee beyond the Medicare rebate.

3. Book a double appointment: Mental health consultations can’t be rushed, especially if the GP undertakes what is called a GP mental health care plan. This involves a systematic assessment of your mental health issues which also entitles you to Medicare subsidised rebate to be referred for psychological care.

4. Write down notes in advance: Write down some notes in advance so that you can explain what has been happening to you or your family member and accurately explain what you’re concerned about. It’s also good to take some notes during or just after the consultation, so you can recall what you talked about with the GP.

5. Be upfront: There is evidence that GPs are less likely to engage in a mental health discussion when the issues are raised late in the consultation, so speak up about mental health issues at the beginning of the appointment.

6. Follow up: Expect to book a follow-up appointment, as usually mental health issues aren’t sorted out in one consultation. It will be important to follow up with the same GP so that you don’t have to re-tell your story and the GP can carefully monitor your progress over time.

7. Ask the GP about their interest or training in mental health: Be aware that some GPs have done additional mental health training. For example, some general practitioners have undertaken extra mental health skills training that has been accredited which qualifies them to provide more in-depth mental health advice.

8. Consider a second opinion if not progressing well: If you don’t feel that you get on well with the GP or that your concerns are not being addressed, be willing to get a second opinion from another GP to see if perhaps some alternative treatment plans should be considered.

• Topics:

• Mental Health & Wellbeing