Action 4: Encourage the young person to get appropriate professional help cont.
Talking to a GP Many young people who are experiencing poor mental health will turn to a GP first for professional help. If this is the route the young person would like to explore you can share the following information: Who will be at the appointment? Most surgeries have a doctor who specialises in mental health. This can be requested at the time of booking an appointment. Alternatively, you will be seen by an available GP. Where will the appointment take place? In a confidential room. How long will the appointment last? Usually 10 minutes. What will happen during the appointment? The GP will carry out a holistic assessment to eliminate any underlying physical health reasons for your symptoms, such as medication side effects or low energy caused by anaemia. The GP will ask a series of questions and encourage you to be open about how you are feeling. They may ask questions like:
– Can you describe how you are feeling? – How long have you been feeling this way? – Is how you are feeling getting worse?
– How is the way you are feeling affecting your daily life? – Is there anything you have already tried that has been helpful? (106) Speaking to a GP about mental health can seem scary, but they are there to listen to and help their patient. Try to give as much information as you can to your GP, even if it’s difficult or feels very
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