If you’ve been struggling with your mental health, you may feel unsure what the first step is towards finding help. You may be a bit hesitant to reach out to a psychologist. If that’s the case, start with your GP. Here are questions to ask and what to expect.
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Perhaps you’ve been struggling with your mental health – and wondered whether you should reach out to a psychologist or psychiatrist. But perhaps you’ve been unsure of the severity of your struggles, or worried about the cost of professional psychological services. Many people don’t know that their regular GP is a good starting point. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, anxious or unlike yourself, this is how you can approach your GP.
Can your GP assess your mental health?
The answer is yes. GPs are often the first point of contact when it comes to mental health concerns. In an appointment, your doctor will discuss your symptoms, inquire about your personal and medical history, and try to see how your symptoms affect your everyday life.
Because they’re medical doctors, they will investigate whether there are underlying medical causes for your symptoms like hormonal issues or medication. Then depending on their assessment, they will recommend treatment options, counselling, or prescribe medication where appropriate. They will also refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for further assessment.
What questions should you ask?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Prepare a couple of questions before hand to make it easier.
Consider asking:
- Could my symptoms indicate anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issue?
- Should I go for a mental health screening or more comprehensive assessment?
- Could there be an underlying physical or hormonal cause?
- Would you recommended therapy, medication or both?
- Should I consult a psychologist or psychiatrist?
- When should I return for a follow-up and how will my progress be monitored?
How to prepare for your appointment
Before going to your appointment, get clear in your head about what you’ve been experiencing and note it down. Think about when it started and what makes it better or worse. Factor in changes in sleep cycle, eating patterns, concentration, energy levels and mood. Be very honest about your symptoms and how they affect your everyday life, particularly if they disrupt your day-to-day functioning.
The bottom line
Asking for a mental health assessment is a proactive step towards understanding your well-being. You don’t need to have all the answers before making the appointment. Be honest, work with your GP and together you’ll be on your way to improving your mental health.
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Featured image: Unsplash
