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Many people put off talking to their doctor about their mental health because they think their problems are not “bad enough”, they’ll be pushed into taking medications, or because they think they will get better on their own. It is important to talk to your doctor when there are changes in your wellbeing.
If you want to talk to your family doctor about your mental health but you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ideas:
Before your appointment:
- Make a list of the main points you want to tell your doctor so that you feel more confident when you are voicing your concerns.
- Write down what you have already tried to make yourself feel better – what worked?
- Have you talked to someone about your mental health before? If so, what were your takeaways?
- Take note of the medications and supplements that you take each day, both prescription and non-prescription.
During the appointment:
- Bring the lists that you made before your appointment and describe how your concerns are impacting your day-to-day life.
- Talk about what you are hoping to get out of the appointment today, and what your long-term goals are on your mental health journey.
- Discuss different treatment options with your doctor and ask questions about the pros and cons of each choice.
After the appointment:
- Reflect on your conversation with your doctor and the game plan that you discussed. Put this game plan into action!
- Continue to monitor your symptoms to see if they get better or worse, and report back to your doctor what is working and what is not.
Remember, you do not have to wait until your mental health concerns feel overwhelming or severe to ask for help. Ask for help anytime to get the support you need to feel your best.
