How to talk to your GP about mental health

GP training pilot Primary care practices are the point at which most people with mental health problems access services and support.

Opening up about your own mental health problem to a doctor can be hard especially if you're worried that you might not be taken seriously.

This is why we launched an innovative training programme aimed at making GP practice staff more mental health aware. You can read more about the programme in the Guardian.

It's also why we asked our followers on Twitter what advice they'd give to people visiting their doctor to talk about their mental health.

Here's what they said:

What advice can you give to people visiting their GP to talk to them about their mental health?
— Time to Change (@TimetoChange) May 29, 2013

@timetochange Take someone with you. Be assertive and don't let them fob you off with a list of numbers to ring. Also, be completely open
— Mark Malik (@MarkMalik_2) May 29, 2013

@timetochange just come straight out with it, don't expect them to guess how bad it is, tell them, it's the only way they can help.
— Sonia (@spookychews) May 29, 2013

@timetochange write everything you want to say down. And take a friend
— Kymmie (@SunetraSfangirl) May 29, 2013

@timetochange be open and clear.make a list to help you explain.if one does not listen try another at the surgery
— nicola(@adandelionmind) May 29, 2013

@timetochange Be honest.
— Caroline Smith (@linoleum_smythe) May 29, 2013

@timetochange ocduk has a icebreaker you can print off regards ocd so it would be great if other charitys could do so
— ashley curry (@ashleycurry007) May 29, 2013

@timetochange just be open and honest and don't miss anything out,every bit of info helps.
— Dermot (@Dermo67) May 29, 2013

@timetochange Be open and honest. If your GP doesn't help you, try again, keep trying, especially with #eatingdisorders. Don't give up.
— Sarah Louise (@sarah_robbo) May 29, 2013

@timetochange Always helpful to bring a list of symptoms/issues to discuss as easy to forget once you're through the door.
— MHFA England(@MHFAEngland) May 29, 2013

@timetochange Dont give up, dont let them fob you off, and if they dont listen to you, change GPs!
— verity smith (@VeeBear) May 29, 2013

@timetochange Not to worry about what the GP might think of you, they won't judge you. Tell them the whole truth, not just a bit of it.
— Terry Saneep (@MrTumshie) May 29, 2013

@timetochange Don't be afraid to show your emotions. Cry if you need to.
— Havering Mind (@HaveringMind) May 29, 2013

@timetochange ask for a referral to a psychiatrist of psych NP.
— Caitlin H (@weird_cats) May 29, 2013

@ashleycurry007 @timetochange I blurted to my GP 'I think I have anorexia, I need help, now' she was shocked but got referral & help!
— Sarah Louise (@sarah_robbo) May 29, 2013

@timetochange tell them it exactly as it is. Don't sugar coat it. There's no need to be coy about it.
— Preben Walle (@Ohpebbles) May 29, 2013

@timetochange Keep a written or video diary. Show it to a friend or GP. Don't give up xx
— louise va (@peaceandstyle) May 29, 2013

@timetochange book a double appointment with the GP so you don’t feel rushed (most surgeries have this option)
— A Famish Rib (@AFamishRib) May 29, 2013

@timetochangetake a trusted friend with u 2 give an honest appraisal, as our own is often skewered given that's the nature of our illness!
— Billie Myers (@BillieMyers) May 29, 2013