Summary
Before the appointment
Your GP can be an important first point of contact when you are experiencing difficulties with your mental health. You can speak to your GP about changes in your mood, thoughts, emotions or behaviour, or anything that is beginning to affect your relationships, education, work, sleep or everyday life.
You do not need to have a diagnosis or know exactly what is wrong before making an appointment. You might speak to your GP because you have been feeling low, anxious, overwhelmed, unusually irritable or emotionally exhausted. You can also discuss changes in sleep or appetite, difficulties concentrating, loss of motivation, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, unusual experiences, difficulties managing emotions, self-harm or thoughts about suicide.
Before your appointment, it can help to think about what you would most like your GP to know. You could write down your main concerns, when they started, how often they happen and how they are affecting you. If you are taking medication, it may also be useful to have a list of what you take. You can bring notes into the appointment and refer to them if you find it difficult to remember everything you wanted to say.
At the appointment
At the appointment, your GP will usually ask questions to understand what has been happening. They may ask when you first noticed a change, how often you experience symptoms, whether they are getting better or worse and how they are affecting your daily life. You do not have to explain everything perfectly. It is okay to say that you are finding something difficult to describe.
Your GP may also ask about your sleep, appetite, physical health, relationships, work or education, medication, alcohol or drug use and significant events or stresses in your life. Mental and physical health can affect each other, so they may consider whether a physical health condition, medication or another factor could be contributing to how you feel. In some situations, they may recommend a physical examination or tests such as blood tests.
You may be asked questions about your safety, including whether you have been self-harming, having thoughts about suicide or feeling unable to keep yourself safe. These can feel like difficult or personal questions, but being open about what you are experiencing can help your GP understand the level of support you may need.
Sometimes you may be asked to complete a questionnaire about your mood, anxiety or other symptoms. These questionnaires can help provide information about what you are experiencing, but they are only one part of understanding your mental health.
You can ask someone you trust to come to the appointment with you if this would help you feel more comfortable. They might provide emotional support, help you explain what has been happening or help you remember what was discussed. You can also ask to speak to the GP alone for some or all of the appointment if you prefer.
What happens next?
What happens next will depend on your individual circumstances. Your GP might discuss ways of managing your symptoms, provide information, prescribe or review medication, suggest talking therapies or refer you to another mental health service. In some areas, you may also be able to access certain NHS talking therapies without a GP referral.
If your GP recommends medication or another treatment, you can ask what it is for, how it may help, possible side effects, how long it may take to work and what other options are available. You can also ask what should happen if your symptoms become worse or you have concerns after the appointment.
Your GP will normally keep information about your health confidential. There are circumstances where information may need to be shared, particularly if there are serious concerns about your safety or someone else’s safety. If you are unsure about confidentiality, you can ask your GP to explain what information may be shared and why.
GP appointments can be relatively short, so you may not be able to discuss everything in one appointment. If you have several concerns, tell your GP which ones are most important to you. They may suggest arranging another appointment so that you have more time to discuss things further. If you feel that you have not been able to explain yourself properly, you can arrange another appointment. You can also ask whether it is possible to see a particular GP if there is someone at the practice you feel more comfortable speaking with. Building a clear picture of what you are experiencing can sometimes take more than one conversation.
You can also contact your GP if you are worried about the mental health of someone you care about. The GP may not be able to give you information about another person’s care because of confidentiality, but you can still share information or concerns with them.
If your mental health changes while you are waiting for further support, you can contact your GP again rather than feeling that you have to wait until your next planned appointment. If there is an immediate risk to your safety or someone else’s safety, more urgent support may be needed.
How to help myself
If you are thinking about speaking to your GP, try to make the appointment at a time when you are able to give yourself some space afterwards. You do not need to wait until things become unbearable before making an appointment. If something has been bothering you for a while or is starting to affect your everyday life, it is okay to ask for support.
Before your appointment, write down the main things you want your GP to know. You could include what you have been experiencing, when it started, how often it happens and how it affects your sleep, relationships, education, work or daily activities. If you have noticed particular triggers or changes, write these down too.
It can be helpful to keep a short record of your symptoms for a few days or weeks. You might note changes in mood, anxiety, sleep, appetite, energy, concentration or motivation. This can help you identify patterns and give your GP a clearer picture of what has been happening.
If you find it difficult to talk about your mental health, practise what you want to say beforehand. You could write it down, use notes on your phone or start by saying, I have been struggling with my mental health and I am not sure how to explain it. You do not need to use the perfect words.
Be as honest as you can during the appointment, including about things that feel embarrassing or difficult to talk about. This might include self-harm, suicidal thoughts, substance use, unusual experiences or difficulties at home. Your GP needs accurate information to understand what support may be appropriate.
Ask questions if you do not understand something. You can ask what your GP thinks may be happening, what your options are, what a treatment involves, how long it may take to help and what you should do if things get worse. It is okay to ask for information to be explained again.
If you are offered medication, talking therapy or another form of support, ask about the potential benefits, side effects, alternatives and what happens next. You can also ask when you should expect a follow-up and who you should contact if you have concerns.
If you are worried that you will forget something, take notes during or immediately after the appointment. You could also write down any actions you agreed with your GP, such as making another appointment, contacting a service or starting a treatment.
If you do not feel comfortable with one GP, you can ask whether you can see another GP at the practice. You can also ask someone you trust to come with you, although you can choose to attend alone if that feels more comfortable.
While waiting for an appointment or further support, try to keep your basic routines where possible. Regular meals, sleep, movement, time outside and staying connected with people you trust can help you manage difficult periods, even when your motivation is low.
Keep track of any changes after starting treatment or trying a new strategy. Notice what seems to help, what does not and whether your symptoms are changing. This information can be useful when you speak to your GP again.
If your symptoms become significantly worse, do not feel that you have to wait for a planned appointment. Contact your GP and explain that things have changed. If you are in immediate danger or cannot keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent medical or mental health advice in England, you can also contact NHS 111.
How to help a loved one
If someone you care about is struggling with their mental health, let them know that you are available to listen without judging or immediately trying to fix the situation. You could ask open questions such as How have you been feeling recently? or What has been making things difficult? and give them time to answer.
If they are considering speaking to their GP, you can help them think about what they want to discuss. You could help them write down their symptoms, when they started and how they are affecting everyday life. If they are worried about forgetting something, encourage them to make notes on their phone or take written information to the appointment.
Offer practical support if they want it. This might mean helping them arrange an appointment, reminding them about the appointment, travelling with them or waiting with them beforehand. You can also offer to go into the appointment with them, but respect their choice if they would rather attend alone.
Some people may find it difficult to explain how they are feeling to a GP. If the person is comfortable with it, you can help them describe changes you have noticed, such as changes in sleep, mood, behaviour, appetite, motivation or relationships. Try to describe what you have observed rather than making assumptions about what is causing it.
Encourage them to be honest with their GP, particularly about things that may feel difficult to discuss, such as self-harm, suicidal thoughts, substance use or unusual experiences. These conversations can feel uncomfortable, but they can help the GP understand what support may be needed.
After the appointment, ask what they would find helpful rather than assuming you need to take responsibility for their care. They may want help remembering appointments, collecting medication, understanding information they have been given or simply having someone to talk to.
Respect their privacy and independence. You can be supportive without needing to know every detail of their treatment. If they are an adult, their GP will generally need their permission before sharing information about their care with you. However, you can still share your own concerns with their GP, even if the GP cannot discuss the person’s care with you.
Try not to pressure someone into making an appointment or following a particular treatment plan. You can encourage them to seek support while recognising that they may need time to feel ready. If you are particularly concerned about their safety, it is appropriate to be more direct about this and ask whether they are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
If they are waiting for support and their mental health gets worse, encourage them to contact their GP again rather than simply waiting for the next appointment. If they are in immediate danger, have seriously harmed themselves, have taken an overdose or cannot stay safe, call 999 or take them to A&E. For urgent medical or mental health advice in England, you can also contact NHS 111.
Myth Buster
Myth: You need to know what is wrong before seeing your GP.
Truth: You do not need a diagnosis or a clear explanation. Your GP can help you understand what you are experiencing and discuss what might help.
Myth: You should only see your GP if your mental health is really bad.
Truth: You can speak to your GP about difficulties at any stage. You do not have to wait until they become a crisis before asking for support.
Myth: Your GP will just tell you to take medication.
Truth: Medication is one possible treatment, but your GP may also discuss talking therapies, self-management strategies, physical health checks or referrals to other services depending on your needs.
Myth: You have to tell your GP everything.
Truth: It is your appointment and you can decide what you are comfortable discussing. However, being as open as possible about important symptoms, risks and difficulties can help your GP understand what support may be appropriate.
Myth: Your GP will know exactly what is happening after one appointment.
Truth: Understanding mental health can take time. Your GP may need to ask questions, monitor your symptoms, arrange follow-up appointments or refer you to another service.
Myth: If you are worried about someone else, there is nothing you can do because of confidentiality.
Truth: You can share your concerns with their GP, even though the GP may not be able to share information about the person’s care with you without their permission.
Myth: Asking for mental health support means you cannot cope.
Truth: Speaking to your GP is a way of taking your mental health seriously and getting information about what may help. You do not have to manage everything alone.
Support
Your GP practice can be a starting point for discussing your mental health and understanding what support may be appropriate. You can make an appointment to talk about changes in your mood, thoughts, behaviour or everyday functioning, even if you are unsure what type of help you need.
Depending on your needs, your GP may suggest different options. This could include NHS talking therapies, medication, physical health checks, self-management approaches or referral to another mental health service. The options available can depend on your age, symptoms, location and individual circumstances.
If you are at school, college or university, you may also have access to pastoral support, counselling, wellbeing services or other staff who can help you think about your next steps. You do not necessarily need to wait until you have spoken to your GP before using these services.
If you are supporting someone else, you can encourage them to speak to their GP or another trusted professional. You can also share concerns with a GP yourself, although confidentiality means they may not be able to discuss another person’s care with you.
You can ask your GP questions about any treatment or referral they recommend. It is reasonable to ask what the treatment involves, what you can expect, how long you may need it and what alternatives are available.
If you are waiting for an appointment or referral and your mental health becomes worse, contact your GP again and explain that your circumstances have changed. You do not have to wait for a planned appointment if you need to discuss a significant deterioration.
If you need urgent mental health support in England, you can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option where available. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, has seriously harmed themselves, has taken an overdose or cannot stay safe, call 999 or go to A&E.
Therapy interventions
Your GP may discuss different types of treatment or referral depending on your age, symptoms, circumstances and the level of support you need. You can ask your GP why a particular option has been recommended and what you can expect from it.
- NHS Talking Therapies – provides psychological therapies for common difficulties such as anxiety and depression. In England, some people can self-refer rather than needing a GP referral.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – explores the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours and can help you develop different ways of responding to difficulties.
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) – specialist mental health services for children and young people. CAMHS can support a range of mental health difficulties and may offer assessment, psychological therapies, family support and other interventions depending on individual needs.
- Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) – provide specialist support for adults experiencing significant or complex mental health difficulties. Support may involve assessment, psychological interventions, medication management, care planning and support from different professionals.
- Counselling – provides a confidential space to explore emotions, experiences, relationships and difficulties that may be affecting your mental health.
- Medication – your GP may prescribe medication when appropriate or refer you to another professional for medication advice. They can discuss how it may help, possible side effects and other treatment options.
- Specialist services – depending on your circumstances, your GP may refer you to other services such as eating disorder services, substance use services, perinatal mental health services, crisis services or specialist psychological therapies.
Helplines
NHS 111 (Option 2)
NHS 111 is an NHS service providing urgent medical and mental health advice and support. It can help with mental health concerns, emotional distress, anxiety, low mood, suicidal thoughts and other urgent health problems.
Phone: For mental health support, call 111 and select the mental health option (option 2).
Opening times: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Samaritans
Samaritans is a charity providing emotional support to anyone who is struggling to cope or needs someone to talk to. They are there for people experiencing all sorts of difficulties, including stress, anxiety, loneliness, relationship or family problems, bereavement, feeling overwhelmed and concerns about mental health or suicide.
Phone: 116 123
Opening times: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Website: www.samaritans.org
Shout
Shout is a free, confidential text messaging service that provides support to anyone who is struggling to cope. It can help with a wide range of issues, including stress, anxiety, low mood, loneliness, relationship difficulties, bullying, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, feeling overwhelmed and other mental health challenges.
Text: SHOUT to 85258
Opening times: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Website: http://www.giveusashout.org
Mind
Mind is a mental health charity providing information, advice and support for people experiencing mental health difficulties. They cover a wide range of mental health and wellbeing issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, loneliness, coping with difficult experiences and managing everyday life. Mind provides information to help people understand what they are experiencing, know their rights, find appropriate support and feel less alone.
Phone: 0300 123 3393
Opening times: 9am–6pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays)
Email: info@mind.org.uk
Website: www.mind.org.uk
YoungMinds
YoungMinds is a national charity supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. They provide information, advice and support for parents and carers who are concerned about a young person’s mental health, and help people understand mental health difficulties, find appropriate support and access useful resources. Their Parents Helpline can provide information, advice, emotional support and signposting to other services.
Parent helpline: 0808 802 5544 (9:30 am – 4 pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, and from 9:30 am – 6 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Email: parents@youngminds.org.uk
Webchat: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-helpline/
Childline
Childline is a free service for young people to talk to a counsellor about anything. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Childline is available to anybody who is 18 years old or younger.
Phone: 0800 1111
Opening times: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
You can also find helpful resources, speak to a counsellor online or send a message on their site.
Website: www.childline.org.uk
For adults concerned about a child, the NSPCC can be contacted
NSPCC
NSPCC is a children’s charity that works to protect children and prevent abuse and neglect. They provide support and advice for adults about child abuse, neglect, child safety, online safety and children’s mental and emotional wellbeing.
Phone: 0808 800 5000
Opening times: 10 am–4 pm, Monday–Friday
Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
Email opening times: 11 am–4 pm, 7 days a week
Website: www.nspcc.org.uk
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) is a charity providing support for people who are struggling with their mental health or experiencing emotional distress. They support people with issues including low mood, anxiety, loneliness, stress, suicidal thoughts and difficult life experiences.
Phone: 0800 58 58 58
Opening times: 5pm–midnight, every day
Webchat: 5pm–midnight, every day
WhatsApp: Available through the CALM website
Website: www.thecalmzone.net
