Mental Health Care

Everyone has ups and downs. But when difficult feelings stay around, or start to get in the way of daily life, it is time to talk to someone. As a mental health GP in Clayton, our team at Mediclinic in Clayton South offers confidential support for your emotional wellbeing. We can help you understand what is going on, talk through options and connect you with the right care.

Mental health affects how we think, feel and act. It shapes how we make decisions, handle stress and relate to others. Looking after it matters as much as looking after your physical health.

What if I don’t feel OK?

Hard times, such as the death of someone close, a relationship break-up, or losing a job, home or something important, can leave a lasting mark. Sometimes we recover with time and support. Other times we feel overwhelmed, low or anxious for weeks or months, and it becomes harder to cope at home, work, school or in relationships.

You don’t need to be in crisis to see a GP. Talking early can help.

Symptoms to look out for

Signs of mental illness vary, depending on the condition, your circumstances and other factors. They can affect emotions, thoughts and behaviour. Common signs include:

• feeling sad or down
• extreme mood changes, with highs and lows
• a lot of anger, irritability or hostility
• confused thinking or trouble concentrating
• strong fears or worries, or intense feelings of guilt
• pulling away from friends and activities
• losing touch with reality, such as delusions, paranoia or hallucinations
• trouble understanding or relating to situations and people
• feeling very tired, low in energy, or having problems sleeping
• not being able to cope with daily problems or stress
• problems with alcohol or drug use
• big changes in eating or other habits
• thoughts of suicide

Sometimes mental health problems show up as physical symptoms, such as stomach pain, back pain, headaches or other aches with no clear cause.

How a mental health GP in Clayton can help

Your GP is a good first stop. At a mental health consultation, your GP can:

• listen to your concerns and ask about your mood, sleep, stress and health
• check for physical causes of your symptoms
• talk through treatment options, which may include self-care, counselling, psychology and, where suitable, medicine
• prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan if you are eligible
• refer you to our onsite psychology services or other mental health services
• review how you are going over time

Mental Health Treatment Plans

A Mental Health Treatment Plan (sometimes called a mental health care plan) is a plan your GP prepares with you. It sets out your goals and the support you need. If you are eligible, it lets you access Medicare-rebated sessions with a psychologist or other mental health professional.

Your GP will explain how the plan works, how many sessions may be covered, and when it will be reviewed. Medicare rules change from time to time, so your GP or reception can confirm the current details.

Mental health and alcohol or drug use

Mental health and substance use problems often happen together. This is sometimes called dual diagnosis or co-occurring conditions. For example, some people drink or use drugs to cope with anxiety or low mood, and substance use can also make mental health symptoms worse.

At Mediclinic, you can get mental health care and drug and alcohol support under one roof. Our GPs, AOD Nurse Practitioner and onsite psychologists can work together, so you don’t have to tell your story over and over.

When to see a doctor

If you, or someone you know, has any of the symptoms above, it is important to get help. Many mental health conditions don’t improve on their own, and without care they can get worse over time. Effective treatments are available, and your GP can help you find what suits you.

Helping a loved one

If someone you care about shows signs of mental illness, have an open and honest talk with them about your concerns. You can’t force someone to get help, but you can offer encouragement and support, such as helping them book a GP appointment or going with them. Look after your own wellbeing too.

For more support, see our helpful links page, or visit Beyond Blue.

Frequently asked questions

To talk to a GP about your mental health, call (03) 9544 1555 or book online.