When Life Feels Hard: Why Talking to Your GP About Your Mental Health Can Be a Good First Step

By Dr Carol Webster Gom, General Practitioner

Mental health is an important part of our overall health, yet many people find it difficult to talk about how they are feeling.

As a GP, I understand that taking the first step to discuss your mental wellbeing can feel uncomfortable. You may be unsure whether what you are experiencing is “serious enough” to make an appointment. You may worry that you will not know what to say, or you may simply feel that you should be able to manage things on your own.

However, you do not need to wait until you reach a crisis point before speaking with someone.

If you have noticed changes in your mood, thoughts, sleep, energy levels or ability to manage everyday life, speaking with your GP can be a useful starting point. Your concerns deserve to be heard and discussed.

Mental Health Concerns Can Look Different for Everyone

There is no single way that mental health concerns present.

For some people, it may involve feeling constantly worried or overwhelmed. For others, it may be a persistent low mood, loss of motivation or difficulty enjoying things that they would normally find meaningful.

Sometimes, the changes can be more subtle.

You might notice that you are:

• Feeling more tired than usual
• Having difficulty sleeping or sleeping more than usual
• Feeling irritable, frustrated or emotionally drained
• Finding it difficult to concentrate
• Withdrawing from family, friends or social activities
• Feeling overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities
• Experiencing ongoing worry or fear
• Losing interest in activities you previously enjoyed
• Finding it difficult to cope with changes at work, home or in your relationships

These experiences can have many different causes, and not everyone experiencing these symptoms will have a mental health condition. Physical health concerns, major life changes, stress, medications and other factors can also affect how you feel.

This is one reason why an individual discussion and assessment can be important.

You Do Not Need to Have All the Answers Before Seeing Your GP

One concern I often hear from patients is, “I do not know how to explain what is wrong.”

That is completely understandable.

You do not need to arrive at your appointment with a diagnosis or the perfect words. Sometimes, simply saying, “I haven’t been feeling like myself lately” can be enough to begin the conversation.

Your GP may ask questions about how you have been feeling, when the changes started and how they are affecting your everyday life. We may also discuss factors such as your sleep, work, relationships, physical health and previous experiences.

These conversations can help us better understand what is happening and consider what support may be appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Why Your GP Can Be a Useful First Point of Contact

Your GP can look at your health more broadly rather than focusing on one symptom in isolation.

Mental wellbeing and physical health can be closely connected. For example, ongoing stress may affect sleep and energy levels, while some physical health conditions can contribute to changes in mood or concentration.

A GP consultation may involve discussing both your mental and physical health, depending on your circumstances. If appropriate, your GP may recommend further assessment, management options or referral to another suitably qualified healthcare professional.

At Nerang Medical Centre & Skin Clinic, our doctors provide GP care for a range of mental health concerns and can discuss referral options when appropriate.

Mental Health Support Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

There is no single approach that is suitable for everyone.

The right type of support can depend on several factors, including:

• Your symptoms and how long you have experienced them
• Your physical health
• Your personal circumstances
• Previous experiences with mental health care
• Your support network
• Your individual goals and preferences

For some people, speaking regularly with their GP may form part of their care. Others may benefit from seeing a psychologist or another mental health professional. In some circumstances, a referral to a specialist may be considered.

Your GP can discuss the options that may be appropriate for you and help you make an informed decision about your care.

Taking Care of Your Mental Wellbeing Between Appointments

Professional support can be important, but everyday factors can also play a role in supporting overall wellbeing.

This does not mean that lifestyle changes will resolve every mental health concern. However, small and realistic changes may support your general health and wellbeing.

Depending on your individual circumstances, this may include:

Maintaining a Regular Routine

When life feels overwhelming, even basic routines can become difficult. Where possible, creating a regular pattern for sleeping, eating, work and rest may provide some structure.

Staying Connected

It can be tempting to withdraw from others when you are struggling. Staying in contact with trusted family members, friends or other supportive people can be helpful for some individuals.

Making Time for Physical Activity

Physical activity can support general health and wellbeing. The type and amount of activity that is appropriate will vary between individuals, particularly if you have an existing health condition or injury.

Paying Attention to Sleep

Poor sleep can affect mood, concentration and energy. If you are experiencing ongoing sleep difficulties, it is worth discussing this with your GP.

Being Kind to Yourself

Many people are much harder on themselves than they would be on someone else.

Mental health concerns are not always visible, and you do not need to “prove” that you are struggling before asking for support. Recognising that you need help can be an important step.

When Should You Make an Appointment?

You may wish to speak with your GP if changes in your mental wellbeing are ongoing, worsening or affecting your daily life.

You can also make an appointment if you simply feel that something is not right.

You do not need to wait until your symptoms become severe. Early conversations can provide an opportunity to discuss what you are experiencing and explore appropriate support options.

If you are booking an appointment specifically to discuss mental health, consider asking for a longer consultation if you feel you may need more time. This can help provide space for a more detailed discussion.

A Conversation Can Be the Beginning

One of the most important things I would like patients to know is that asking for support is not a sign of weakness.

Life can be demanding. Work pressures, family responsibilities, relationship changes, grief, financial stress and health concerns can all affect our wellbeing. Sometimes, there may be no single reason why you are struggling.

Whatever the reason, you deserve to have your concerns taken seriously.

As a GP, my role is to listen, understand your circumstances and work with you to consider the most appropriate next steps. You do not need to have a diagnosis before you book an appointment, and you do not need to know exactly what kind of support you need.

The first step can simply be starting the conversation.

Mental Health Support in Nerang and the Gold Coast

If you are experiencing concerns about your mental wellbeing, speaking with a GP can be a helpful starting point.

At Nerang Medical Centre & Skin Clinic, patients can discuss mental health concerns with their GP in a confidential and supportive environment. Depending on your individual circumstances, your GP may discuss ongoing GP support, a Mental Health Treatment Plan where eligible, or referral to an appropriate healthcare professional.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or have noticed ongoing changes in your mental wellbeing, consider booking an appointment to discuss your concerns.

You do not have to have all the answers before you begin.

Sometimes, the first conversation is simply the first step towards understanding what support you may need.