How to Talk to Your Doctor About Your Mental Health

For many, bringing up mental health with a primary care physician (PCP) can feel daunting. You might worry about being dismissed, judged, or immediately put on medication. But your PCP can be your greatest ally and is the best starting point for getting help. They can rule out physical causes and provide a referral to a mental health specialist.

Preparation is key. Going into your appointment with clear information helps your doctor understand the full picture.

What to Write Down Before Your Appointment:

1. Your Symptoms: Don’t just say “I feel down.” Be specific. For a week before your visit, jot down notes. How has your sleep been? What about your appetite? Have you lost interest in things? Are you having physical pains? Are you worrying constantly?

2. When It Started and How It Affects You: Did these feelings start after a specific event, like a health diagnosis or the loss of a loved one? How is it impacting your daily life? For example: “For the past two months, I’ve had no energy to cook, and I’ve been avoiding calls from friends.”

3. A List of All Medications: Include all prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. The combination and dosage can sometimes cause mood-related side effects.

4. Your Questions: Write down what you want to know. It’s easy to forget in the moment. Good questions include:

“Could one of my medical conditions or medications be causing these feelings?”

“What are my options for treatment besides medication, like therapy?”

“Can you give me a referral to a geriatric psychiatrist or a therapist who specializes in working with older adults?”

How to Start the Conversation

You don’t need a perfect opening. You can be direct. Try one of these conversation starters:

“I’d like to talk about my mental health today. I haven’t been feeling like myself lately.”

“I’ve been feeling constantly worried and it’s affecting my sleep. I need some help.”

“In addition to my physical health, I’m concerned about my mood. I’ve lost interest in everything.”

Remember, your doctor has these conversations every day. Mental health is health. By speaking up, you are taking a courageous and vital step toward feeling better.