A doctor can help you get treatment for your mental health and discuss different ways to help you.
Make your appointment
You can see a doctor by yourself or take someone you trust with you. You do not need to take a parent or carer with you.
Before you make your appointment, you can ask your doctor’s surgery any questions you might have.
These might include:
- if they have a doctor who has an interest in mental health
- whether you can see a female or male doctor
- if they offer a longer appointment (a double appointment)
- if you can see a doctor who isn’t your usual doctor
The receptionist might ask you why you are making the appointment. If you don’t want to tell them, you can just say it’s personal.
Prepare for your appointment
You might want to write down how you’re feeling before your appointment.
It might help if you keep a diary of:
- how you are feeling
- if you feel worse at different times of the day
- any symptoms or anything unusual that has been happening
- any medication you take
- any questions you want to ask
During your appointment
Usually appointments last 10 minutes and are in a private room. If you have asked for longer appointment (a double appointment) you will get 20 minutes.
Your doctor will ask you questions about how you are feeling and ask why you have come to see them.
They might ask other questions to help them understand what is happening in your life. This will help them give you best advice.
You can ask any questions you might have too.
Your doctor might talk you through different options. These could be:
- different types of support open to you
- different treatment options
- refer you to a service – with your permission