Tell your doctor:

• Your symptoms, thoughts and how you feel
• Any circumstances that may be relevant to your mental health
• Your concerns
• How what you feel has affected your life

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Talking about your mental health can be hard. You can take a family member or close friend along for support. They can also help explain your situation to the doctor, and they can help remember the discussions you had.

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Mental health assessments often take more than one visit. Your doctor will need to get to know you so they can give you the best support.

They may ask questions about your:

• Lifestyle choices
• Goals
• Physical health
• Financial circumstances
• Cultural background
• Work or school environment
• Medications
• Family history of physical and mental illness
• Psychological or emotional experiences

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It is also good to tell your doctor if you have any preferences for your treatment.

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Your GP will be able to assess whether a mental health treatment plan is right for you. Your health care needs, goals, treatment and referrals would be recorded in your mental health care plan.

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Your doctor may also refer you to other health care professionals for further treatment or a clearer diagnosis.

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If you or anyone you know needs help, here are some options for you to reach out to:

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Lifeline - 13 11 14

Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800

MensLine Australia - 1300 789 978

Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467

Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636

Headspace - 1800 650 890

Relationships Australia - 1300 364 277

ReachOut

Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) - 1800 008 774

Middle South CAT Service – Monash Medical Ph: 24/7 – (03) 1300 369 012