What to Say to Your GP About Mental Health
It’s completely normal to feel awkward or unsure about what to say. Here are some ready-to-use phrases.
When booking the appointment
Say to the receptionist:
“I’d like to book a longer appointment to discuss my mental health.”
That’s it. You don’t need to give details to the receptionist.
When you’re with the GP
You don’t need a perfect explanation. Any of these are fine:
- “I’ve been feeling anxious/down/overwhelmed and I’d like to talk about it.”
- “I think I might benefit from seeing a psychologist. Can we set up a Mental Health Care Plan?”
- “I’ve been struggling with my mental health and I’m not sure where to start.”
If you’re worried about being dismissed
Some people worry their GP won’t take them seriously. A few things that help:
- Be specific about how it’s affecting you: “I’m having trouble sleeping” or “I’ve been avoiding social situations” is more concrete than “I feel bad.”
- Mention how long it’s been going on: “This has been happening for a few months” helps your GP understand it’s not just a bad day.
- Write it down beforehand. It’s completely OK to read from notes or hand your GP a written summary.
If your GP isn’t helpful
Not every GP is equally comfortable with mental health. If your GP dismisses your concerns or you don’t feel heard:
- You can see a different GP. You don’t owe your GP loyalty — your mental health matters.
- Look for a GP who lists mental health as an interest on the clinic’s website.
- headspace centres (for ages 12–25) have GPs who specialise in youth mental health.