Here are 5 tips for daring to talk about your mental health with your doctor

Mental health is an essential component of health and represents much more than the absence of mental disorders or disabilities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a “ state of well-being that enables everyone to realize their potential, to cope with the normal difficulties of life, to work successfully and productively, and to be able to make a contribution to the community.” The Public Health France agency states that there are three distinct dimensions: positive mental health (covers well-being, personal development, psychological resources and the individual’s ability to act in their roles social), reactive psychological distress induced by trying situations and existential difficulties (mourning, relational, academic failure, etc.) but which is not necessarily indicative of a mental disorder and psychiatric disorders of variable duration (more or less severe and/or disabling, they refer to diagnostic classifications referring to criteria and are subject to medical treatment).

Mental health is therefore not a fixed state, it is a permanent search for a state of psychological balance, specific to each person, according to their living conditions and the events they are experiencing or have experienced. “ A person can not suffer from any mental illness without feeling in good mental health. Conversely, a person can enjoy satisfactory mental well-being while having a well-treated psychological disorder. Maintaining good mental health is also one of the best ways to prepare yourself to get through life’s more difficult times, personally or professionally. », attests for its part Health Insurance. It turns out that multiple individual, social and structural determinants can combine to protect or compromise our mental health throughout our lives, and thus change our position on the mental health spectrum. Individual psychological and biological factors, such as emotional skills, substance use and genetics, can make some people more vulnerable to mental health problems.

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Additionally, exposure to adverse social, economic and environmental circumstances also increases the risk of developing mental health problems. So when things are not going well, for your mental health and therefore your health “in short”, you should not hesitate to talk to your doctor about it, especially if you are no longer able to carry out your daily tasks. , to maintain connections with those around them, to work and to find joy and pleasure in life. This is indeed what Dr. Faith Coleman, a graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, wishes to point out in an article published on StudyFinds. “ When significant, adverse changes occur in your ability to function, it may be time to discuss your mental health with your healthcare professional. Ideally, they already ask you questions about your mental health at each visit. However, if you only see him once or twice a year, you should start the discussion about it yourself. I recommend remembering these five important things about these conversations. “, she says.

Start by seeking the advice of your assigned treating physician.

According to Dr. Faith Coleman, “ there is no dividing line or separation between physical and mental health. Medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, may increase your risk of developing a mental health disorder. » Based on the observation that a mental health disorder can increase the risk of developing other medical problems, such as heart disease or diabetes, the latter believes that a consultation with one’s attending physician is the first essential step in starting a care process. It is then that the doctor can refer patients to a professional or mental health services if necessary. Note that in France the “My psychological support” system allows any person who is anxious, depressed or suffering from mental distress to benefit from psychological support sessions with coverage by Health Insurance: the doctor can offer to follow up to 8 psychological support sessions per calendar year with a psychologist approved by Health Insurance and a partner of the system.

Prepare well for your medical appointment in advance

It is essential to prepare for your visit for two important reasons according to the expert: “ make the most of the limited time you have with your provider and have valuable information in writing because it’s easy to forget critical information when you’re in a health care setting and may feel anxious.” Before going to your doctor’s office, the latter therefore recommends making a list of what the person wishes to discuss and their questions or concerns but also a list of current medications, including over-the-counter medications (without a prescription). ), medicinal plants, vitamins and supplements. It is also appropriate to review her family history because according to her “itSome mental illnesses tend to be hereditary, and having a parent with a mental disorder may mean you are at higher risk of developing particular mental health problems. Knowing your family’s history in this area can also help your doctor recommend ways to reduce your risk and help look for warning signs of the disease. »

Consider bringing a friend or relative with you

Patient associations can provide a lot of information and support by listening and exchanging experiences with other people suffering from psychological problems. But parents, friends or even work colleagues are often the first confidants of a person who is experiencing discomfort. As such, it can be very helpful to bring a close friend or relative to your medical appointment. “ It is difficult, if not impossible, to absorb all the information provided by your healthcare professional during a visit, especially since concerns about your mental health can make the situation even more difficult. A companion may be there to support you, help you take notes and remember what you and the provider discussed. He may also be able to give his opinion on what he thinks about your situation. Your friend or family member may be present throughout the appointment, or it is possible to meet with your doctor alone first and then ask your loved one to join you at an appropriate time during the discussion. “, advocates Dr. Faith Coleman.

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Be as honest as possible

There is a form of taboo around psychological disorders and mental illness, fueled by fear. Added to this is a low level of knowledge of the general population, relatives and professional caregivers about mental health. This lack of information and the stigmatization of people labeled with a mental disorder constitute a loss of opportunity because they lead to a lower quality of care and contribute to the lack of social inclusion of people living with mental disorders. However, Inserm points out on this subject that research has demonstrated that mental illnesses are not creations of our mind: they are born in our body, and not necessarily in our brain moreover because infections or alterations of the intestinal microbiota, for example, seem to be involved in triggering some of them. These are therefore illnesses in their own right, which we know how to manage in most cases. This is why you should not hesitate to describe to your doctor all the symptoms encountered and current concerns without fear of being judged. It is not wise, on the contrary, to minimize one’s situation for fear of looking “so sick”.

Another argument raised by the doctor is that it is unlikely that what the patient confides will shock his doctor. “ Remember that one in five adults suffer from a mental illness and you are not unique in this regard. Your doctor can only help you get better if you discuss your condition openly, honestly, and thoroughly. This is what you need to do to get through and out of your illness, to start moving towards the best you can be. » Additionally, this is the time when the list prepared before the medical appointment is vital. “ Describe all your symptoms. Be specific about when they started, their severity, and their frequency. You should also share any major stressors or recent life changes and circumstances that could trigger or worsen your symptoms. Countless people have walked this path before you and recovered or learned to manage their illness to improve their quality of life. You can too. “, she adds.

Do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have

Mental health is everyone’s business, which is why it is important to get information to understand it better, to have points of reference, to be able to act for ourselves or others by finding resources or help. But faced with the multiplicity of sources of information, it is important to orient yourself effectively. Also, the first instinct is to ask your doctor for more information on the diagnosis and treatment proposed during the consultation. “VYou and your doctor will jointly plan a course of action, whether that involves treatment, testing, or a referral to mental health providers and services. But if you feel you need more advice than you get from your GP, ask for a referral to other professionals or services. He will not be offended by your request for a reference, and may even be relieved. I also invite you to contact your health insurance and mutual insurance to find out your options regarding providers and mental health services. », concludes Dr Faith Coleman.

Note that in France, the Psycom site is presented by the Ministry of Health as the national public resource of reference information on mental health. “ Its mission is to provide information, communication, training and advice on mental health, aimed at various target audiences: general public, young people, people living with mental disorders and their loved ones and professionals in the field. concerned by mental health (health, medico-social, social, justice, elected officials, education, media, etc.) and to participate, by developing innovative tools, in the fight against stigma, discrimination and social exclusion of people living with mental disorders and their loved ones. “, he attests. In order to identify the actors who produce web content on psychological disorders, Psycom has published a map designed as a compass allowing one to orient oneself on the web. It helps the Internet user answer the question: who says what, on the Internet, on this subject? Many helplines are also listed in a document made available on the Public Health France website. Finally, the site sante.fr has put together a thematic file: How to take care of your mental health?