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How to talk to your GP about mental health

How to talk to your GP about mental health

How to talk to your GP about mental health: What to prepare, what to say, what to expect, what happens next. Preparation checklist + script examples + FAQ

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

England focus: This guide is written for England, where most NHS mental health routes run through GP practices and NHS Talking Therapies. If you live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, the pathways are a bit different. Many of the conversation tips still apply, but check your nation’s NHS site for the right referral route.

What this guide covers:

Why talking to your GP can help

Your GP can:

  • Listen to what’s going on and help you make sense of it.
  • Rule out physical causes that can affect mood and anxiety.
  • Offer support options, including self-help, medication, and referrals.
  • Signpost you to local services.

If you are not sure whether this “counts” as a mental health problem, it is still okay to book an appointment. GPs speak to people about stress, anxiety, low mood, sleep, and burnout every day.

If you need urgent help

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.

If you feel you might act on thoughts of self-harm or suicide, get support now:

  • Call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7).
  • If you can, ask someone you trust to stay with you and help you get support.

Step 1: Book the right kind of appointment

When you contact the practice, you do not have to share details. You can simply say:

  • “I’d like an appointment about my mental health.”
  • “I’m not feeling myself and I need to talk to a GP.”

Ask for what you need:

  • If you have several things to cover, ask for a double appointment.
  • If it feels easier, ask for a phone appointment.
  • If you would prefer a specific clinician (or a clinician of a specific gender), you can request that.

Quick win: Book the appointment even if you feel unprepared. You can use the time between booking and the appointment to jot down notes.

Step 2: Do a 5‑minute prep (optional, but useful)

You do not need a perfect story. A few bullet points is enough.

Write down:

  • What’s been going on (in 1–2 sentences).
  • How long it has been happening.
  • How it is affecting day-to-day life (work, sleep, relationships, motivation).
  • Any triggers you have noticed.
  • What you have already tried.

If relevant, note:

  • Alcohol or drug use.
  • Recent big changes or losses.
  • Any history of mental health problems.
  • Any medication you are already taking.

Step 3: Use a simple opening line

Pick one that feels closest to the truth for you.

  • “I’ve been feeling low for a while and it’s starting to affect my day-to-day.”
  • “My anxiety is getting in the way of work and sleep.”
  • “I’m not coping as well as I used to.”
  • “I’m finding it hard to function and I don’t know what to do next.”

If you struggle to say it out loud, you can:

  • Bring notes and say, “I’ve written it down because I get flustered.”
  • Show the GP a note on your phone.

Step 4: Explain impact, not just symptoms

GPs often need to understand severity and impact to decide next steps.

You can describe impact using these areas:

  • Sleep: falling asleep, waking early, nightmares, exhaustion.
  • Mood: low mood, irritability, numbness.
  • Anxiety: constant worry, panic, avoidance.
  • Energy and motivation: getting out of bed, self-care, appetite.
  • Concentration: making decisions, remembering things.
  • Work and relationships: performance, conflict, withdrawing.

Helpful specifics:

  • “This has been going on for about X weeks/months.”
  • “On a typical day, I’m getting X hours of sleep.”
  • “I’m missing work / avoiding friends / not eating properly.”

Step 5: Say what you want help with

It is okay to be direct. You could say:

  • “I want to understand what support options are available.”
  • “I’d like to talk about NHS Talking Therapies.”
  • “I’m open to medication, but I want to understand pros and cons.”
  • “I’m not sure what I need, but I can’t keep going like this.”

If you have a preference, say so. If you do not, that is also fine.

Step 6: What your GP might suggest (England)

What happens next depends on your situation and what is available locally.

Common next steps include:

  • Self-help support (apps, guided self-help, local wellbeing services).
  • NHS Talking Therapies (previously known as IAPT). In many areas you can self‑refer, or the GP can refer you.
  • Medication (for example antidepressants). A GP should talk through benefits, side effects, and how reviews will work.
  • Referral to community mental health services (usually for more complex or higher‑risk needs).
  • A follow‑up appointment to check how things are going.

If you are offered options that do not feel right, you can ask what else is available. You can also ask what the expected waiting time is.

Step 7: If you are asked screening questions

You might be asked questions about anxiety, depression, sleep, and risk (including self-harm). This can feel intense, but it is standard. If you are asked about thoughts of harming yourself:

  • If it is true, say so. You will not automatically be “taken away.” It helps the GP choose the right support.
  • If you are not sure, you can say, “I’m not sure, but I feel scared by how bad it’s got.”

If you do not feel heard

Sometimes an appointment goes badly. That is not your fault. You can try:

  • Booking with a different GP at the same practice.
  • Asking for a longer appointment.
  • Taking someone with you.
  • Writing down what you want to cover and handing it over.

If you feel you need to make a complaint, every practice has a process. You can ask reception for details.

After the appointment: a simple follow‑up checklist

  • [ ] Write down what was agreed (referrals, medication, next steps).
  • [ ] Ask when you should expect to hear back, and what to do if you do not.
  • [ ] If you were referred, put a reminder in your diary to chase after 2–3 weeks.
  • [ ] Book a follow‑up appointment if one was not offered.
  • [ ] If you were prescribed medication, ask when your review will be.

Scripts you can use

To reception (phone):

“Hi — I’d like to book an appointment to talk about my mental health. Is there a GP appointment available this week?”

To the GP (opening):

“I’m here because my mental health has got worse over the last X weeks/months. It’s affecting [sleep/work/relationships]. I need help working out what to do next.”

If you get stuck:

“I’m finding it hard to explain. I’ve written some notes.”

FAQs

Do I have to tell reception what’s wrong?

You do not have to share details. You can say it is about your mental health.

What if I’m worried about confidentiality?

GPs and practice staff must keep your information confidential. There are exceptions if there is a serious risk to you or someone else.

Can I self‑refer for therapy without my GP?

Often, yes. Many NHS Talking Therapies services in England accept self‑referrals. Availability and criteria vary by area.

What if there’s a long waiting list?

Ask what support is available while you wait. This might include guided self-help, group options, local charities, or crisis support if things worsen