Firstly, talking to a GP about mental health isn’t the only way to get help. Best For You has lots of information about getting urgent help and digital sources of support (including the Best For You app library).
We also have information about the different support available in North West London. Some of this support is from the NHS, while other support is through charities and community organisations.
Sometimes you can refer yourself to an NHS service – this means that you can tell them you would like their help and arrange your own appointment. Sometimes, only professionals like GPs can refer you to a service, so you’ll need to make an appointment with a GP first.
We know that talking to a GP about mental health can be worrying and scary – especially if you haven’t done it before. We’re sharing information about a resource called Doc Ready, which is there to make it easier.
Information on talking to a GP about mental health
The Doc Ready website has lots of information about what GPs help with, how to make an appointment, and what to expect when you talk to them about mental health. It also has information about your rights and confidentiality.
Build a checklist for your appointment
It can be hard to know where to start when you’re talking to a GP about mental health – and some things are difficult to put into words.
The Doc Ready website has an interactive tool that you can use to build a checklist of things to mention in your appointment. There are lots of categories, including feelings, self-harm, moods, thoughts, sleep, and more.
You can also add your own notes if there’s anything specific you want to mention.
Once you’ve finished, you can print or email your checklist to yourself, so you can take it with you for your appointment.
