Mental Health & Wellbeing
Mental health problems are common. Up to 1 in 4 people have experienced mental illness.
If you have noticed changes in the way you or a loved one are thinking or feeling and it is causing problems in everyday life, Dorset Private GP is here to help and support you.
How can Dorset Private GP help?
A 20, 30 or 40-minute face to face appointment can be booked with one of our doctors and they will have the time to listen to your concerns and then decide with you the best course of action. The doctor may discuss the following options with you:
Blood Tests - to rule out any underlying physical problems. Sometimes a medical problem or deficiency can cause or make mental health problems worse, such as anxiety and depression.
Medication - such as antidepressants (we cannot prescribe for under 18s, but we can refer to specialists who are able to prescribe to young people).
Referral to our trusted specialists - such as psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors and many more experts we work closely with
Time to Listen - sometimes just being able to spend a longer time with the doctor and not being rushed will help. You can then book again with the same doctor whenever you wish
Signs of struggling with mental health
Sometimes people have struggled with their mental health from a young age and for some there could be a family history of mental illness. Other people may be experiencing or have gone through a stressful event which has led to mental illness. For example, losing a job, the death of a loved one or money and relationship problems.
The following things could be a sign you have a mental health problem:
Feeling emotional and teary
Having a low mood or changes in your mood
Feeling like you are being threatened in some way, even though there is no proof of it. You might think people are watching you or acting against you.
Seeing and hearing things that other people can’t see or hear
Engaging in destructive or high-risk behavior
Finding it difficult to focus or remember things
Sleeping less or too much
Being on your own more and being withdrawn from others
Spending lots of money or having problems dealing with your money
Having flashbacks or nightmares after an upsetting event
Sex drive changes
Finding it difficult to manage everyday life, like making meals and washing
Feeling like you want to end your life or people would be better off without you
Thinking you have special powers or are on a mission
Using substances to cope, such as alcohol or drugs
Excessive anger, hostility or violence