Mental health is health. Here's how to bring it up at your next appointment and what to expect.
Many patients hesitate to bring up mental health concerns during a medical appointment — worried about judgment, time, or not knowing how to start the conversation. But primary care is one of the best places to address mental health, and it's entirely within my scope as your family doctor.
Here's how to make the most of that conversation.
**How to bring it up:**
You don't need a formal opener. Simply say: 'I've been feeling anxious/down/overwhelmed lately and I wanted to talk about it.' That's enough. We'll take it from there.
**What to expect:**
- A validated screening tool (PHQ-9 for depression, GAD-7 for anxiety)
- A conversation about symptoms, duration, and impact on daily life
- Discussion of treatment options: therapy, medication, or both
- A referral to a mental health specialist if appropriate
- Follow-up to monitor how you're doing
**Common conditions we treat or co-manage:**
- Depression and anxiety
- Panic disorder
- ADHD
- Insomnia
- Burnout and stress-related illness
**You deserve care for your whole self — not just your physical symptoms.** There's nothing unusual or embarrassing about discussing mental health with your doctor. It's one of the most important conversations we can have.
