Good to Talk · Getting proper help · Free. Always.
Talking to your GP about your mental health
If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E. If you need urgent mental-health help but it is not an emergency, use NHS 111 online or call 111 and select the mental-health option.
Write down what has changed, when it started and how it affects sleep, work, relationships, appetite, concentration, alcohol or ordinary life.
What you need to know
Write down what has changed, when it started and how it affects sleep, work, relationships, appetite, concentration, alcohol or ordinary life. You can simply say: “My mental health hasn't been right for a while and it's affecting everyday life.” If you have thoughts about suicide or harming yourself, say so directly.
Make it a conversation, not a test
You are allowed to ask questions, explain what matters to you and say when something is not helping. Mental-health care should be based on your needs, circumstances and appropriate clinical assessment.
Keep going
Getting proper help · Talking to your GP · NHS Talking Therapies
Sources & further reading
- NHS — mental health treatments
- NHS — talking therapies
- NHS — antidepressants
- NICE — depression in adults
Educational information only. Treatment should be based on an individual assessment with an appropriate healthcare professional.