In 2020-21, 3.4 million Australians aged 16-85 years saw a health professional regarding their mental health and well-being, showcasing the utilisation and value of mental health care throughout the country.
It should be no secret that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If you begin to notice you have symptoms of poor mental health, booking an appointment with your local GP can provide you with the guidance and resources needed to help you address the issue.
When To Be Concerned About Your Mental Health
The signs of prevalent mental distress or mental illness can be hard to notice, particularly if you have managed to “live with it” for some time.
That being the case, common signs of poor mental health may include:
- Poor concentration
- Feeling tired/lack of energy
- Excessive worrying/anxiousness
- Feelings of depression
- Feelings of guilt/worthlessness
- Irritability
- Apathy
- Loss of mood
- Feeling overwhelmed with daily life
- Less interest in daily activities and hobbies
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Changes in diet and weight
- Changes in behaviour and feelings
- Substance abuse
- Suicidal ideation
If you exhibit several of the above symptoms for a considerable time, it could signify poor mental health or mental illness.
You should also be concerned if these symptoms have significantly affected your day-to-day life. If your work, relationships, or personal health have taken a toll due to these issues, it may be time to seek professional help.
How A Doctor Can Help
Accessing mental health services may vary from state to state. For mental health services in Victoria, you can access them through your general practitioner or primary care provider.
A GP is a great first point of contact for your mental health concerns; they can offer you a preliminary mental health evaluation and can direct you to other mental health services (such as a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist) depending on your needs.
If you do not have any pressing mental health concerns, it’s still okay to be worried about how your mental health could be affecting you. Given that a visit to the GP is private and confidential, you can treat it as a safe space to discuss the worries you have and how they may be affecting your mental well-being.
Through these talks, your GP can evaluate and determine the causes of your mental distress. They can also inform you about what factors could be contributing to it – such as nature (family history, biological factors), nurture (stressful events), or both.
What To Do Before Your Appointment
Once you find a GP whom you feel comfortable discussing your mental health with, you should take the time to prepare for the appointment. Among the things you should do include:
- Listing out symptoms that you or the people around you have noticed.
- Noting any specific event that may have triggered your symptoms.
- Noting how often are these symptoms present.
- Making a list of pertinent medical information (such as other physical or mental health conditions or recent medication).
- Asking a trusted friend or family to accompany you for both moral support and a third party account of your mood and behaviour.
It would be best if you also had some questions to ask your GP during the appointment as well, such as:
- What are the options available?
- Should I seek specialist help?
- Do I require medication or therapy?
- Are there any ways I can improve my mental health?
During Your Appointment
For the GP to get a comprehensive picture of your mental state, you should be as open and honest as possible, even if you find it challenging. Writing things down beforehand can help communicate aspects of your mental health that you might otherwise feel uncomfortable saying.
Once your GP has finished their diagnosis, be sure to have a thorough discussion on your next steps, whether that’s prescribed medication, therapy sessions, or advice on maintaining both your physical and mental well-being.
Don’t Be Afraid To Seek Treatment
If you or a loved one are facing mental health concerns, do not hesitate to seek treatment. While there may still be some stigma around mental health and illness, it’s important to know that it is a manageable condition, just like any other illness.
Here at Coolaroo Clinic, our experienced General Practitioners work alongside our experts in Psychology and Psychiatry to offer professional mental health consultations and related services. Contact us today to learn more about the steps you can take to improve your mental health.