Managing Mental Health

As a GP, I see mental health concerns every single day. They affect people of all ages, backgrounds and professions. One of the most important messages I try to share with my patients is this: mental health conditions are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. Getting help is comparable to seeking help for your diabetes or back pain.

Common Mental Health Conditions in Australia

In Australia, about 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health condition in any given year. Over a lifetime, nearly half of Australians will experience a diagnosable mental health disorder. These are not rare or unusual experiences — they are part of mainstream healthcare.

The most common conditions I see in general practice include:

• Anxiety disorders – persistent worry, panic attacks, social anxiety or phobias

• Depression – ongoing low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – following trauma

• cPTSD – following ongoing trauma during childhood years

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – difficulties with focus, impulsivity and emotional regulation

• Substance use disorders

• Adjustment disorders - during periods of life stress

How We Manage Mental Health

Mental health care is not “one size fits all.” In general practice, we take a holistic and collaborative approach. Treatment usually falls into three broad areas:

1. Counselling and Psychological Therapies

For many people, talking therapies are first-line treatment. A GP can prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan, allowing eligible patients to access Medicare-subsidized sessions with a psychologist or other qualified mental health professional. Therapy helps patients understand thought patterns, build coping strategies, regulate emotions and develop resilience.

2. Medications

Medications can be very helpful, particularly for moderate to severe anxiety or depression. Medication decisions are made carefully, considering symptom severity, medical history, side effects and patient preference. For many patients, medication is temporary; for others, longer-term treatment provides stability and improved quality of life.

3. Lifestyle Foundations for Mental Health

Lifestyle factors are not “extras” — they are powerful treatment tools. I often explain to patients that these strategies form the foundation on which everything else works better.

Exercise - regular physical activity has strong evidence for reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Adequate Sleep - sleep disruption both contributes to and worsens mental health conditions. Establishing a consistent routine, limiting screens before bed and managing caffeine intake can significantly improve mood and concentration.

Good Nutrition - balanced meals with adequate protein, whole grains, healthy fats and fresh produce support brain function. Blood sugar fluctuations and nutritional deficiencies can worsen mood and energy.

Social Engagement and Hobbies - humans are wired for connection. Regular contact with friends, family or community groups — as well as meaningful hobbies — protects mental health and reduces isolation.

Limiting Substances and Screens - excess alcohol, recreational drugs and even excessive screen time can worsen anxiety, sleep and mood. Reducing these often improves symptoms more than people expect.

When to Seek Help

If symptoms are persistent (lasting more than two weeks), worsening, or interfering with work, study, relationships or daily functioning, it’s important to seek support. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, immediate support is available through services such as Lifeline (13 11 14).

A Final Word

As a doctor, I want patients to know that seeking care for mental health issues is just as legitimate and important as managing blood pressure or diabetes. Recovery is possible. With the right combination of therapy, medication (when needed), and lifestyle foundations, most people experience significant improvement.

If you’re struggling, please reach out to your GP. You don’t have to manage it alone.

A medical professional explaining ADHD diagnosis to a patient.