Mental Health
Our GPs and psychologists can identify and treat many mental health conditions to improve your quality of life.
Supportive, evidence-based care for common mental health needs
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Phobias
- Self-harm
- Suicidal ideation
- Grief and loss
- Insomnia
- Stress management
- Substance misuse
Mental health in Australia
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that in the last 12 months:
- 1 in 5 Australians aged 16-85 (22%) have experienced a mental health disorder
- 17% of Australians experienced an anxiety disorder
- 3% have a substance use disorder
- 1 in 7 children and adolescents (aged 4-17) experienced a mental illness.
Women are more willing to seek care for mental health conditions. While 50% of men will experience a mental health disorder at some point in life, relatively few seek help.
We’d like to change that. Your mental health is vital to your overall well-being and we encourage you to get the help you need to improve your quality of life.
Women are more willing to seek care for mental health conditions. While 50% of men will experience a mental health disorder at some point in life, relatively few seek help.
We’d like to change that. Your mental health is vital to your overall well-being and we encourage you to get the help you need to improve your quality of life.
How do you know if you have a mental health condition?
Sometimes, you feel like life is getting on top of you. You may be facing workplace stress, financial pressures, bereavement, health problems, relationship difficulties or other challenging circumstances that affect your mental health.
Mental health risk factors
- Genetic predisposition
- Alcohol and other drug use
- Chronic health conditions
- Homelessness
- Discrimination
- Loneliness and social isolation
- Unemployment
- Stressful life events
- Family conflict or domestic violence
That said, there’s not always an obvious cause of mental health difficulties such as anxiety or depression. And there doesn’t have to be. How you feel is how you feel.
Symptoms of mental health conditions
- Persistently anxious or worried
- Sleep problems
- Relying on alcohol or other drugs
- Persistent sadness or low mood (depression)
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Changed behaviour
- Emotional outbursts or behaviour changes
- Withdrawing from your usual activities
- Feeling guilty or worthless
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or need immediate help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14
Treatment for mental health conditions
- Psychological support
- Medication
- Lifestyle changes
GP Mental Health Care Plan
Once you have a diagnosed mental health condition, your GP may recommend a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). This helps you access Medicare subsidies for services that support your mental health, like seeing a psychologist.
We can also help you manage chronic conditions that may be affecting your mental health and be a source of ongoing support through difficult, ongoing situations.
It takes time to prepare a MHCP so we encourage you to book a long appointment with your GP.
Disclaimer:
All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice.