Your GP is a good place for you to discuss concerns you have regarding your mental well-being.
If you prescribed any treatment we will plan in your management – interval times for you to come in for reviews.
If any acute deterioration out of hours please seek urgent review.
Our GPs play a significant role in the provision of mental health care and support to patients. GPs are often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health issues, and we provide a range of services to address these needs. Some of the key roles our GPs fulfil in mental health care in Ireland include:
- Assessment and Diagnosis: GPs are trained to assess and diagnose various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. They conduct thorough evaluations of patients’ symptoms, medical history, and psychosocial factors to formulate accurate diagnoses.
- Treatment and Medication Management: GPs prescribe and manage medications for mental health conditions, such as antidepressants, anxiolytics, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. They monitor patients’ responses to treatment, adjust medication dosages as needed, and provide ongoing support and guidance.
- Psychological Interventions: GPs may offer brief psychological interventions, counseling, and support to patients with mild to moderate mental health issues. We provide empathetic listening, psychoeducation, coping strategies, and referrals to specialized mental health services as appropriate.
- Referrals and Coordination of Care: Our GPs refer patients to mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and community mental health teams, for further assessment and treatment. They facilitate communication and collaboration between different healthcare providers and services to ensure coordinated care for patients with complex mental health needs.
- Crisis Intervention: The GPs provide immediate support and crisis intervention for patients experiencing acute mental health crises, such as suicidal ideation, self-harm, or psychotic episodes. They assess risk factors, initiate safety plans, and arrange urgent referrals to appropriate mental health services for further assessment and intervention.
- Advocacy and Support: GPs advocate for their patients’ mental health needs within the healthcare system and community settings. They provide information, resources, and support to empower patients and their families to navigate the mental health system effectively and access appropriate services and supports.
Overall, GPs play a crucial role in the early detection, assessment, treatment, and management of mental health conditions in Ireland. They provide holistic, patient-centered care that addresses the biological, psychological, and social aspects of mental illness, with a focus on promoting recovery, resilience, and well-being.
useful terms worth researching
Silver cloud
GAD7 questionnaire
PhQ 9 questionnaire
maslach burnout inventory
inquiry based stress reduction
breathing relaxation techniques
nutrition – eating well for mental wellbeing
piers house
counselling in primary care
alone
turas le cheile
hse led services
men’s shed
library