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Mental Health Emergency Response Line (MHERL)

Lifeline: 13 11 14
Mensline: 1300 789 978
beyondblue: 1300 224 636
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Rurallink: 1800 522 002

Questions to ask your GP – what to discuss

Before visiting your GP it might be useful to have a list of questions or notes to help you feel more at ease. Taking someone you trust and feel comfortable with along to the appointment with you for support might also help.

If you are going to your GP for the first time and you are not sure where to begin, a good starting point to discuss with your GP might be:

  1. How you have really been feeling lately.
  2. How long you’ve been noticing your symptoms for.
  3. What your concerns might be.
  4. How this may be impacting on your life.
  5. What you or the GP think might be the best options for you.

If you have received a diagnosis for a mental health condition, there are a number of questions you can ask you GP: 

  1. Can you tell me in simple terms what my diagnosis means?
  2. What are the best options for me?
  3. What are the main signs and symptoms
  4. Can you tell me about what the causes could be?
  5. Where can I get more information?
  6. What can I do to feel better?
  7. When might I start to feel better?

If you want to know more about care, treatment and recovery here are some things you can ask:

  1. How can I go about treating my mental health issue?
  2. When can I expect to see improvement
  3. How often will I have to see a mental health professional?

Getting help

  1. Who can I contact if I am worried about something to do with my mental health?
  2. If I need to get in touch with you what is the best way?
  3. If I need help after hours, who can I contact?
  4. Who can I contact for ongoing support for my mental health?

Medication

  1. Do I need medication?
  2. What will the benefits of the medication be?
  3. Are there side effects to this medication? If so what are they?
  4. How long will I need to take it for?
  5. What are the options if the medication does not work?
  6. Are there alternatives to medication

Family/friends and recovery

  1. What can I do to help a family member, friend or someone I care about?
  2. Are there any support services available for me
  3. If our family/friend does not want certain types of treatment, what else can be offered?

Your doctor will most likely ask you many questions to assess your situation.

It is best to ask how much your appointment will cost. Visit how your GP can help for more information on referral processes and help depending on your budget.

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