GPs are the most common providers of mental health services in Australia and therefore GPs play a central role in the provision of mental health care in Australia. People talk to their GP about mental health more than any other issue and our GPs have extensive experience in this area.
We all experience challenging emotional issues at different times. We can’t always deal with these on our own. If you feel you need help and it’s not an emergency, it’s best to see your doctor.
When you see your doctor, they’ll assess what help you need. This could include:
- making a mental health assessment
- creating a mental health treatment plan
- referring you to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional
- giving you a prescription for medicines to treat depression or anxiety.
Your doctor might ask you some personal questions to understand your situation. Sometimes it can be hard to talk to others about your mental health. You can read tips for talking to your doctor about mental health on the healthdirect website.
The following resources
Lifeline – Phone 13 11 14
