Addressing Mental Health in Primary Care: The Role of General Practitioners

Mental health disorders are a significant public health challenge, affecting one in eight adults globally each year before the pandemic. Since then, it has increased exponentially to as many as one in five. Despite these disturbing figures, many people still rely on their general practitioner to assist with these issues as they do not always have access to the professional help they require.

The general practitioner – or primary health provider – is typically the first, and sometimes the only point of contact for many people suffering from mental health disorders which may originate from many different factors.

Types of Mental Health Issues and How the General Practitioner Deals with Them Daily 

Mental health challenges may include anything from general depression, which is depression caused by stress or loss and postpartum depression after a woman has given birth to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being exposed to violence or following a traumatic experience and clinical depression, which is also known as major depression or major depressive disorder.

The general practitioner is well-positioned to identify and manage these mental disorders, as they see a broad range of patients daily and have established relationships with them, allowing them to identify these problems and assist their patients in many different ways.

Today, the expert team of health professionals at Intercare Medical and Dental Centres will explore some of the challenges faced by general practitioners in dealing with patients suffering from mental health challenges and what their role is in assisting them.

Challenges Faced by the General Practitioner Addressing Mental Health Disorders

• - Stigma: Mental health disorders in primary healthcare are not only still stigmatised in many societies, religions and cultures but doctors who assist these patients are sometimes ostracised as well. These factors can prevent people from seeking help and some physicians may not treat them adequately in fear of ridicule from other patients and even colleagues.
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• - Time: The average general practitioner is often inundated and under pressure to see a large number of patients in very short periods. This can make it difficult to provide the adequate time needed for mental health diagnosis, aid and treatment. It is often advised that when initiating a consultation with a doctor about mental health concerns, a double appointment be booked.
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• - Training: Not all doctors receive adequate training in mental healthcare. This can make them less confident in identifying and managing these disorders. It is important to find a general practitioner who is well-versed in these practices like those at Intercare. Our doctors remain updated on the latest mental health practices through ongoing training, cutting-edge technology and informative seminars.

That said, despite these challenges, doctors play a vital role in addressing mental health. Let’s investigate how our general practitioners support our patients who suffer from signs and symptoms of mental health disorders:

4 Ways Intercare General Practitioners Offer Assistance to Patients with Mental Health Disorders 

• Screening: During normal bi-annual check-ups, our doctors will ask various questions that might determine whether you are suffering from depression or have signs and symptoms of more severe mental health issues. They may also investigate generalised anxiety disorders or ask questions relating to issues like drug or alcohol use or abuse. At this stage of prognosis, they might advise that you join a group counselling session or follow a self-help program.
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• Interventions: Our general practitioners are trained to detect when your mental health might be becoming a challenge. They may initiate a brief intervention, such as a supportive counselling session or psychoeducation for individuals that they feel might be suffering from mild to moderate mental health disorders. They may even suggest a family or group intervention to assist, especially if the patient is threatening self-harm or harm to someone else.
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• Medication: If you are open and honest with our physicians, they will be able to help you right from the beginning stages of your mental health problems. If they diagnose your condition as slight to moderate, they may be able to assist you by prescribing medication that, in time, might stabilise and normalise your issues without requiring further help or professional assistance.
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• Specialised Treatment: In the event of more complex issues, or if our doctors feel that you might require more specialised treatment, they may refer you to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. These professionals are specifically trained to investigate your mental health challenges and in time and with a little patience and tolerance, your condition might be managed, or even cured.

4 Additional Aids Our Doctors Use That Can Help You

Although the above methods are extremely effective in the diagnosis, management and control of mental health concerns, they are not the only way that Intercare doctors assist their patients. In addition to these four ways, we also help with:

• Educating our Patients about Mental Healthcare: Our caring staff are well-versed in mental health issues. They can assist you by providing additional education, including the signs and symptoms of mental disorders, how to identify them and how to manage your triggers that may lead to episodes. They may also provide you with phone numbers where you can seek help in emergencies.
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• Trigger Management: Our general practitioners will discuss what triggers your mental health episodes. If they are manageable without specialised help, they will advise on ways to prevent the triggering process from happening and ways to help yourself out of situations where they might occur.
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• Promoting Healthy Lifestyles: We will always promote healthy lifestyles. Our doctors will promote exercise, regular sleeping patterns and a healthy diet, which can help to improve mental health and your general well-being. They might also warn against smoking, excessive drinking or drug abuse.
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• Addressing Social Factors: Intercare physicians will address social determinants of mental health with you. Instances where you may have lost your income, undergone a traumatic experience, suffered from social isolation or other circumstances which might have initiated your symptoms. They will offer additional care and follow-up sessions to determine whether you are coping or if you need additional assistance to overcome your problems.

Find a General Practitioner You Can Trust with Your Mental Healthcare through Intercare

 

Do not underestimate the importance of your mental health. Your family might be suffering with the consequences. Take a realistic look at your mannerisms, unhealthy habits and abnormal behaviour.

Conveniently located in most cities and their adjacent suburbs, there are teams of sympathetic doctors at Intercare Medical and Dental Clinics who have the expertise to aid you through your challenging times. We offer treatment for most medical conditions, including mental health, and our compassionate staff and crew are always here to assist.

If you feel that you need help but do not have a family doctor, understand that there are many caring, trained professionals available throughout South Africa who can assist you with primary care, diagnosis, treatment and referrals to in-house specialists, so please, reach out to us. It could be the difference between an unhappy household or a happy life with people who know and love the real you.

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