Let us start with a disclaimer: mental illness affects everybody differently and we all have varying experiences with treatment. This article is but one viewpoint and may not represent your reality.
For many, consulting with and receiving treatment from a general practitioner (GP) is common when we are unwell and experiencing a mental illness. Our GP is usually our central point or base for all of our healthcare requirements: people may be prescribed medications, referred onto a psychologist, or other treatment or therapy. Our GP is probably the first to recognise, if you haven’t already, that you have a mental illness when presenting any symptoms. There are many ways to treat mental illness and to become well again, so talk to your doctor first.
It may not be surprising for you to know then, as GP’s are so important in our mental health recovery, that some people can have bad experiences. There are many reasons why this may be so: treatment of mental illness can take time; GP’s have so many other skill areas outside of mental health to keep abreast of; there are so many other medications and treatment options available; our GP’s can’t really know everything about us nor what we are experiencing internally, as we have a limited time window in which to convey how our mental health is; and we ourselves, as people living with a mental illness, may have difficulty in explaining how we feel or in recognising and conveying any mental health symptoms; plus the simple fact that GP’s are human, not robots, and sometimes make unfortunate mistakes.
Finding the right GP, listening and doing what they ask in treating your mental illness, is a vital factor in you again becoming mentally well. The question then becomes, what should I look out for in a GP? This has no simple answer and, in line with our initial disclaimer, varies from person to person. Here are some points for you to consider:
FOR SOME, THE RIGHT GP IS:
- Not going to necessarily agree with any self diagnosis you have made on your own mental health, this may not necessarily mean you are incorrect in your own assessments – a grey area, but worth considering in your next GP appointment.
- Approachable and sincere, they may ask you how you feel emotionally and what day-to-day life is like for you, an example: how is your partner themselves dealing with your mental illness and potential change in personality?
- A good communicator: an important set of skills that so many people, including some GP’s, need to further develop. We may feel more respected as a person and not just as an illness or a list of symptoms if our GP is a good communicator.
- Somebody you trust and have confidence with their professional skills: opening up and sharing your feelings with others, particularly as they relate with mental health, can be difficult at the best of times. Trusting and the ability to confide in your GP is very important – try not to hold back because you feel ashamed or uncertain with what is happening, being open and honest with your GP assists them with their assessments, in getting you well again and sooner.
- Able to recommend several treatment options for you: medication, counselling or a different type of therapy, you may even benefit from all of these at the same time.
Above are some examples and considerations for you when finding the right GP. Overall, there needs to be a strong and trusting relationship between both of you. There is no science or correct way of choosing a GP, if you are uncertain with particular outcomes you can always seek a second opinion. However, that said, don’t instantly give up on your GP if you didn’t hear what you wanted to from them or if the treatment option is causing you some grief – try to persevere or seek somebody you think more suitable for your own needs.
