I Don’t Know Who to Ask for Help
A GP is a reasonable place to start if your mental health is worrying you, particularly when you are unsure what is happening or the problem is affecting everyday life.
A GP is a reasonable place to start if your mental health is worrying you, particularly when you are unsure what is happening or the problem is affecting everyday life.
You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis.
You can simply explain what has changed, how long it has been happening and what effect it is having on sleep, work, relationships, concentration or your ability to manage normal activities.
What can a GP help with
A GP can talk through your symptoms and circumstances, consider whether physical-health issues or medicines could be relevant, discuss treatment and support options, and refer you to services where appropriate.
Current NHS guidance says some mental-health services require a GP referral, while others, including NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression in England, can be accessed by self-referral.
What should I tell them
Try to describe the impact rather than finding the perfect mental-health terminology.
Useful information includes when the problem began, what you have noticed, whether it is getting worse, how you are sleeping, whether your appetite or energy has changed, what is happening in your life and anything you have already tried.
If there is too much to remember, take a short note.
What if mental and physical symptoms overlap
Anxiety and stress can have physical effects, but new physical symptoms should not automatically be assumed to be psychological.
Tell the GP what you are experiencing rather than deciding the cause yourself.
That gives them the opportunity to consider the wider picture.
You can ask questions
An appointment should not only be you answering questions.
You might ask:
“What do you think could be contributing to this?”
“What support options are available?”
“Could talking therapy be appropriate?”
“What should I do if things do not improve?”
“Do I need another appointment to review this?”
Write down anything important if you think you may forget it afterwards.
What if you are worried about medication
Seeing a GP about mental health does not automatically mean being prescribed medication.
Treatment depends on the problem and individual circumstances and can include self-help, talking therapies, medication or other specialist support.
If medication is discussed, ask what it is for, likely benefits, common side effects, how it will be reviewed and any questions you have before making decisions with the prescriber.
You may not need the GP for every route
If you are an adult in England seeking help for anxiety or depression, NHS Talking Therapies allows self-referral in every service. NHS guidance also says you do not need a diagnosed mental-health condition to refer yourself.
A GP remains useful if you are unsure which route fits, have physical-health concerns as well, or need access to a service that requires referral.
Last reviewed
6 September 2026
Important informationThis guide provides general information only and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional healthcare advice. Mental-health support and treatment will depend on individual circumstances. If you are unsure what support is appropriate, speak to your GP or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional.