How to get help from your GP for mental health

Talking to your GP is often the first step towards getting help. But it's not easy.  It can be hard to know where to start – or exactly what words to say. 

Whether you’re thinking about making an appointment, or working out your next steps – we’re here for you. 

That first step of speaking up, though terrifying, started me on a new path.

When should I see a doctor for my mental health?

It's common to feel unsure about going to a doctor for your mental health. You might worry that your problems ‘aren’t serious enough’. Or that unless things get really bad, you ought to cope by yourself.

But the truth is, it's always OK to ask for help for your mental health.

These are all common reasons for seeing a doctor:

• Worrying more than usual
• Finding it hard to enjoy your life
• Having distressing thoughts that are difficult to cope with
• Struggling to sleep, eat or concentrate like usual
• Noticing a change in your behaviour, or others noticing
• Wanting to find out what a GP can offer

GPs talk about emotional wellbeing every day. You don’t have to be at crisis point to need support.

If it’s hard to get a GP appointment at first – keep trying. Our tips for how to cope on a waiting list could help in the meantime.

What to expect in a mental health GP appointment

At your first appointment about, your GP will do an assessment.

They might ask you some questions about:

• Your mood, thoughts and behaviour
• Any sleep problems or changes in eating habits
• Any recent life events that might have affected your wellbeing
• Your medical history, and your family's medical history

Or they might ask you to fill in a questionnaire. This looks at how long you’ve been feeling this way, and how much it affects your day-to-day life.

They might also check your physical health to rule out any physical health problems.

Then after this, they should have a conversation with you about what they can recommend. And what you'd like to happen.

Your appointment will probably feel very quick. GP appointments are usually only 10 minutes.

But remember that it's just a starting point. Most of what you do for your wellbeing happens outside of appointments.

How to prepare for your appointment

If you feel nervous, you might forget to say things you think are important. Preparing beforehand can help you get the most out of your GP appointment.

• Write down what you want to say in advance. And take your notes in with you. If it’s too hard to speak in the appointment, invite your GP to read your notes.
• If you feel nervous, let your doctor know.
• Save or print out any information you've found that helps you explain how you're feeling. You can show it to your doctor in the appointment.
• Practise what you might say to your GP with your friends and family.
• Think about what you want your GP to do for you. Like refer you to a therapy service. But it’s OK if you don’t know what you need yet.
• Give yourself enough time to get to your appointment, so that you don't feel rushed or stressed.
• Ask someone you trust to come with you to support you. They could come in with you or wait outside. It's your choice. The GP should allow it.

If you have a few things to talk about, you can ask for a longer appointment. But this won’t always be possible. You'll need to ask when you book the appointment.

I remember being called in for my appointment thinking it was going to be a complete waste of time. How wrong I was.

What words should I say if I’m struggling?

It might not be easy to find the words to talk to your doctor. But there's no wrong way to tell someone how you feel.

Quick watch – this video summarises some of our tips:

Our tips:

• Try and be as honest and open as you can.
• Focus on how you feel, rather than on any mental health diagnosis.
• Explain how things have been for the past few months or weeks, and anything that has changed.
• Use words and descriptions that feel natural to you. Try to talk about how you’re feeling in your own words.
• Try not to worry that your problem is too small or unimportant. Everyone deserves help and your GP is there to support you.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. This includes if your GP says something you don’t understand or that doesn’t sound right to you.
• Be kind to yourself, especially if you’re feeling very anxious, shy or afraid.

 Remember you can take notes in with you.

When the GP asked me to explain a little about why I’ve been feeling so low in recent weeks, the floodgates opened.

What happens if I say I've had suicidal thoughts?

Lots of people feel nervous to share things like:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Self-harm
• Intrusive thoughts about causing harm
• Hearing voices

You might worry about what your GP’s reaction will be. You might not want to alarm them, or others. Or you might worry that they'll judge you. Mental health stigma can make these topics feel taboo.

But these experiences are common. You aren’t alone. GPs have these conversations every day.

If you can, it’s best to be as honest as you can with your GP. 

Hopefully your doctor will help put you at ease. They should treat you with respect and kindness.

If you've had bad experiences with your doctor in the past, you might feel skeptical. Unfortunately, some of us don't find our GP to be compassionate or understanding. Our page on what to do if your GP does not help has advice.

Will my GP keep what I say confidential?

In almost all cases, yes. Your doctor must keep what you tell them confidential. This usually includes thoughts about suicide or self-harm.

The only exception is if they believe you’re in immediate danger of seriously harming yourself. Or harming someone else.

But remember that GPs hear about mental health struggles every day. 

Taking a decision to break confidentiality is very serious, and rare. It's only something your GP should only do if it's immediately necessary.

These are questions about confidentiality we often hear on our helplines:

If you're under 18, your rights around confidentiality are a little different to this. See our page on understanding confidentiality – for 11 to 18 year olds.

If you're a carer for an adult, they have a right to speak to their doctor by themself. We know this can feel frustrating when you want to help them. We have information on how you can help someone else.

Can my GP give me a mental health diagnosis?

In some cases your regular GP might be able to give you a diagnosis in your first appointment. For example, they might say you're experiencing depression or anxiety.

But this doesn't always happen. Your GP probably won’t be able to diagnose more complex mental health problems right away.

They might need to check in with you over a longer timeframe. Or they might need to refer you to a mental health specialist. Some less common mental health problems can only be diagnosed by a specialist.

But you don't need a diagnosis to ask for help.

Our page on getting a mental health diagnosis has more information.

When I was first diagnosed, I was incredibly embarrassed. Over time, I have realised that although stigma still exists, it's nothing to be ashamed of.

What next steps or treatment will my GP suggest?

Your doctor should follow clinical best practice guidelines for what to suggest.

They might recommend 1 or more of the following options:

Can I choose what treatment I get?

Deciding what feels right for you to try should be a joint conversation between you and your doctor. You're allowed to tell them what you do or don't want. They should take your wishes into account.

Your GP has medical expertise, but you're the expert on you.

What you want to try may change over time, and it's common to feel unsure.

Remember: it's OK to try things. And it's OK change your mind.

But there may be some limits. Unfortunately, some services or treatments might not be available where you live.

Or there might be another reason why your GP doesn't offer you something. For example:

• Certain treatments could have higher risks for you
• Some treatments can only be prescribed by a specialist
• Your GP might not think some treatments are suitable for you
• Your GP might have overlooked something

Wondering how people get mental health treatment in hospital? See our page on getting treatment in hospital.

What if I don’t like my GP, or they won’t listen?

Unfortunately we know not everyone has a good experience of seeing a doctor. You might feel your GP hasn't been kind. Or that they don't take you seriously. This can feel demoralising. 

But you have options. For example:

• Changing your doctor
• Finding an advocate
• Making a complaint

Read our full advice on what to do if your GP does not help. Including what to consider if you're thinking of going private.

Emily's story: getting the GP support I need and deserve

Watch Emily share her experience of struggling to get help from her GP. And what steps she took next.