Talking to your GP about how you are coping
How to prepare for a GP appointment about your mental wellbeing, what the GP may ask, and practical next steps you can take.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call 116 123 to reach Samaritans. It is free, and open at any hour.
It is normal to feel nervous about talking to a GP about how you are coping. You do not need to have the perfect words or a list of answers ready. A short, honest account is enough for them to begin a conversation.
This is not medical advice or a diagnosis. A clinician who is actually talking to you is the person who can say.
Before the appointment - practical things to bring
Take anything that helps you remember important points. That could be a few bullet points on your phone, a short note, or a trusted friend or partner to come with you. You do not have to speak for long if you find it hard - you can hand over your note and say you would prefer the GP to read it first.
Bring any medications you are already taking, and the names and dates of any recent treatments or hospital visits. If you have a carer or someone who manages paperwork for you, bring their details if you want them to be involved.
What the GP may ask
GPs will usually start with open questions so you can say what feels most urgent to you. They may ask about how long you have been feeling this way, what affects your mood day to day, and whether you are sleeping or eating differently. These questions are to build a picture, not to judge.
You might be asked about any physical symptoms, your use of alcohol or other substances, and if you have thoughts about harming yourself. You do not need to use clinical words. Saying "I have been finding things harder" or "I have less energy than before" gives the GP something to work from.
What a GP can and cannot do in the appointment
A GP can listen, assess risk, arrange physical checks, and talk through options such as referring you to talking therapies, supporting access to community services, or issuing a fit note if you need time off work. They can also arrange follow-up appointments to review how things are going.
A GP cannot give a remote diagnosis just from a form or a short message. They will need to speak with you. This article does not replace a conversation with a clinician. A clinician who is actually talking to you is the person who can say.
Talking therapies and other routes you can ask about
There are different ways to access counselling or psychotherapy. You can ask the GP about a referral to NHS Talking Therapies, or about options in the local area. You can also look at private therapists yourself. Our directory of therapists is at /therapists/ where you can browse by approach and registration. Therapists listed work with adults aged 18 and over.
If you are looking for more reading about what to expect or how to prepare, see our articles at /articles/. That section covers practical steps such as what happens in a first counselling session and how to choose a therapist. The directory does not rank or endorse individual practitioners; it is a place to start your search.
How to say what you need - simple phrases you can use
You do not need to rehearse a long speech. Here are short ways to start the conversation if you find it hard to begin: "I have been struggling to cope lately and wanted to talk about it", "I am finding my mood is lower than usual", or "I am having trouble sleeping and I think I need help." You can hand over a written note instead.
If you want specific practical help, say so. For example: "I need a referral for talking therapy", "I need advice about getting time off work", or "I am worried about my safety and would like to discuss it." Be as direct as feels possible for you - the GP can ask follow-up questions.
After the appointment - keeping track and next steps
Write down what the GP agreed with you before you leave, or soon after. This could include referrals, follow-up appointments, or any immediate steps such as a blood test or a suggestion to contact a local support service. If the GP offers a referral to a service, ask how long you should expect to wait and how you will be contacted.
If you choose to look for a private therapist while you wait, our pages at /therapists/ can help you find counsellors and psychotherapists who are qualified or registered with bodies such as the BACP, NCPS or HCPC. You can also read practical guides at /articles/ about what to ask a therapist at first contact.
If you feel worse, or are in immediate danger
If you are feeling acutely unwell, are having thoughts of harming yourself, or think you might act on those thoughts, tell the GP clearly or get urgent help. If you are in immediate danger call 999. For emotional support at any time, Samaritans are available on 116 123.
A conversation with a clinician in person or by phone is the only way to assess immediate risk. If you feel panic rising in the appointment, it is okay to say you need a break or to ask for a slower pace. Your distress is real and telling someone in the appointment helps them support you.
This is general reading, not medical advice, and it cannot tell you what you are experiencing. It was written for this site and has not been reviewed by a clinician. Anything that sounds like it applies to you is worth raising with your GP or a therapist.