Quick answer
If you're wondering how to talk to GP about depression, start with three things: what you've noticed, how long it's been going on, and how it affects your day. You don't need the perfect words or a diagnosis in mind. A short script and a few notes can help you say it clearly.
What to expect at a GP appointment about your mood
Walking into an appointment about your mental health can feel daunting, and it helps to know roughly how it might go. Every GP and practice works a little differently, but you can usually expect some of the following.
Questions about how you've been feeling. Your GP may ask about your mood, your energy, your sleep and your appetite. They may also ask about worry, concentration, and whether you've lost interest in things you normally enjoy.
Questions about timing and impact. They'll probably want to know when it started, whether it comes and goes, and how it affects work, relationships and everyday tasks.
Questions about your wider health. Your GP may ask about physical health, life events and anything that has changed recently. Anxiety and low mood can both show up in the body. If that's your experience, our guide to physical symptoms of anxiety may help you describe what you're noticing.
Questions about your safety. It's normal for a GP to ask whether you've had thoughts of harming yourself. They ask because they want to support you, not to judge you.
A conversation about options. Depending on your situation, your GP may talk through support such as talking therapies, self-help, monitoring how you get on, or other treatments. In England, you can often refer yourself to NHS talking therapies without seeing a GP first, though arrangements differ across the UK. If you have questions about medicines, ask your GP or pharmacist.
You may not leave with every answer in one visit, and that's okay. A first appointment is often the start of a conversation.
A free and private first step before you go: if you'd like to get your thoughts in order, Mindhelpa offers a free and private mental health screening. It is not a diagnosis, but it can help you notice patterns you might want to mention to your GP.
A simple script you can adapt
Many people find the hardest part is the first sentence. Here's a structure you can borrow. Change the words so they sound like you.
Opening:
"I'd like to talk about my mental health. I think I might be struggling with low mood and/or anxiety."
What you've noticed:
"Over the last [few weeks/months], I've been [feeling low most days / worrying constantly / finding it hard to enjoy things / struggling to sleep]."
The impact:
"It's affecting [my work / my relationships / my ability to get out of bed / my concentration]. I've found it hard to [specific example]."
What you've tried:
"I've tried [talking to friends / exercise / cutting back on things / nothing so far], and it hasn't made enough difference."
What you'd like:
"I'm not sure what the options are. Can you help me understand what support might suit me?"
A few things can make the conversation easier:
- Be specific. "I've cried most mornings for three weeks" gives your GP more to work with than "I'm not great."
- Say it even if it feels small. You don't have to be in crisis to deserve support.
- Read from your notes. Nobody minds. It's often easier than trying to remember everything under pressure.
- Ask for time. When you book, you can ask whether a longer appointment is available.
- Say if you're finding it hard to talk. "This is difficult for me to say" is a perfectly good thing to say out loud.
If you're unsure whether what you're feeling counts as depression, our article on whether you're depressed or just sad explains some of the differences in plain English.
Checklist: what to bring, including screening results
You don't need to prepare everything below. Pick whatever feels manageable.
Before the appointment
- Write down your main symptoms, in your own words.
- Note when they started and whether anything seems to trigger them or make them better or worse.
- Jot down a few real examples from the past couple of weeks, such as a day you couldn't concentrate or a night you didn't sleep.
- List any physical symptoms, such as tiredness, headaches or a racing heart.
- Note any relevant history, such as previous episodes or past treatment.
- Write down any medicines or supplements you take, so your GP has the full picture. Ask your GP or pharmacist if you're unsure about anything.
- Write down your questions, such as "What are my options?" and "What happens next?"
If you've taken a screening
- Note which areas it highlighted, such as mood, worry, sleep or focus.
- Write down the result in your own words, and say that it's a screening, not a diagnosis.
- Use it as a conversation starter: "I did an online screening and it suggested I might want to talk to someone about my anxiety."
Mindhelpa's free anxiety screening covers similar areas to the GAD-7, a widely used anxiety questionnaire, but it is not the GAD-7 and is not scored as one. It is not a diagnosis.
At the end of the appointment
- Ask what the next step is and who is responsible for it.
- Ask whether a follow-up appointment is needed and when.
- Ask where to go if things get worse before then.
- Write down what was agreed, or ask the GP to repeat it.
When a Mindhelpa report or consultation might help you prepare
The free screening is a first step. Some people also like a bit more support to organise their thoughts before an appointment, and Mindhelpa offers optional reports and consultations for that. They're separate from the free screening, and you don't need either to see your GP.
You might consider one if:
- You find it hard to put your experiences into words.
- You'd like a clearer picture of your symptoms before you speak to a professional.
- You tend to freeze or play things down in appointments.
The details are on the Mindhelpa site. Whatever you choose, your GP is the right person to assess your symptoms and talk through next steps.
If you haven't taken the screening yet, it's free and private, it's not a diagnosis, and you can use it as a starting point for your notes.
When to get urgent help
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. NHS 111 (England and Wales) or NHS 24 on 111 (Scotland) for urgent medical advice. Samaritans: call 116 123 (free, 24 hours). Text SHOUT to 85258. In Northern Ireland, contact your GP or call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. This article is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a diagnosis or a screening result before I see my GP?
No. You can book an appointment simply because you're struggling or you're not sure what's going on. A screening can help you gather your thoughts, but it isn't required and it is not a diagnosis. Your GP can talk with you about your symptoms.
Can I bring someone with me?
You can ask. Some people find it easier with a friend or family member, either in the room or helping them write notes beforehand. If you'd rather go alone, a written list of what you want to say can be a good backup.
What if I feel dismissed or don't get what I hoped for?
It can be disheartening, but you can try again. Say plainly how much it's affecting you, and ask what the next step is. You can book a follow-up or another appointment, and bringing written notes can help you stay on track. Mind has a guide on seeking help for a mental health problem, linked below.
Will my GP offer medication?
Treatment depends on your symptoms, your history and your preferences. Your GP can explain the options and what they involve. For any questions about medicines, speak to your GP or pharmacist.