When your body feels unwell, you see a doctor. But what about when your mind struggles? Stress, anxiety and low mood are common, but many people delay getting help because they wonder if their symptoms are “serious enough”. Recognising the signs early can protect both your mental and physical health.

Feelings of anxiety and worry interfere with daily life.

You can go your whole life without anxiety, and then the day you discover it, it never leaves your side. If worry or panic becomes so severe that it affects work, relationships or daily routines, it’s time to seek help. Signs include:

• Frequent panic attacks
• Avoidance behaviours (skipping social events, avoiding public spaces)
• Feeling unable to leave your home

If anxiety is controlling your life, it’s important to see a GP for anxiety or speak with a private GP who can offer faster access to support.

Persistent low mood lasting more than 2 weeks.

We all have off days. But if you’ve been feeling down for most of the day, every day, for over two weeks, it could be depression. Look out for signs like:

• Neglecting hygiene
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Losing interest in things you once enjoyed
• Struggling to concentrate or keep track of time
• Constant fatigue

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to get GP help for depression or arrange an appointment with a private GP.

Changes in sleep or appetite.

Difficulty sleeping, oversleeping or a sudden loss of appetite are often linked to underlying mental health conditions. If these changes last more than a couple of weeks, don’t ignore them.

Excessive Stress

We all deal with stress. Sometimes every single day. In small doses, stress is a natural response that helps us cope with challenges. Our bodies are wired for the classic “fight or flight” reaction, which can be useful in moments of danger.

But when stress becomes constant or overwhelming, it starts to do more harm than good. Prolonged stress doesn’t just affect your mind; it impacts your entire body. It can trigger anxiety, depression and burnout, as well as raise your risk of serious physical health problems.

High levels of ongoing stress can lead to:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Sleep problems and fatigue
• Elevated adrenaline and cortisol levels
• Weakened immune function

The British Heart Foundation warns that stress often pushes people toward unhealthy coping habits, such as overeating, smoking or drinking. Over time, this raises the risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart attack and stroke.

If stress feels like it’s taking over your life, it may be time to see a GP about your mental health. A GP, private or NHS, can assess how stress is affecting you, provide advice and, if needed, offer treatment or refer you to specialist mental health support services.

Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts or feel like the world would be better without you, seek help immediately. Contact a helpline, your GP or emergency services straight away. You do not have to go through this alone.

When to Take Action

According to Mind UK, one in four people in England experience a mental health problem each year. Consider booking a mental health GP appointment if:

• Your symptoms last for more than two weeks.
• Mental health struggles interfere with daily life.
• Your relationships, work or studies are suffering.
• You notice major changes in sleep, energy or appetite.

How to Talk to a GP About Mental Health?

Starting the conversation can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already struggling. Making an appointment is often the hardest step, but it’s also the most important one. If you’re dealing with low mood, anxiety or depression, you may find yourself thinking, “What will they think of me? Will they take me seriously?” These worries are common, but remember that GPs are trained to listen, support and help.

One way to make it easier is to prepare before your appointment:

• Write down your symptoms – include how you’ve been feeling, any physical changes (like sleep or appetite) and how long it’s been going on.
• Note the impact – explain how your mental health is affecting daily life, such as work, relationships or routines.
• Bring a list – it’s easy to forget details when you’re in the room. Having notes makes it simpler to talk about your concerns.

Being clear and honest helps your GP decide the best next steps. Whether it’s self-care advice, medication, talking therapies or a referral to specialist support.

Get Mental Health Support at The Oakley Medical Practice

This World Mental Health Day 2025, take a step that can really change your life. Our private GP team is ready to listen and help. We can prescribe medication when needed or carry out physical health checks. If further help is required, we can refer you to trusted specialists, including ADHD assessments or mental health services.

At The Oakley Medical Practice, you’ll find a safe, judgement-free space where you can be open about what you’re going through. Our goal is to support your mental health with compassion and professionalism.

Because we know how important it is:

• You’ll get longer consultations so you don’t feel rushed.
• Every discussion is confidential (unless there’s a serious risk).
• Appointments are easy to book – including through our online booking system or by calling 0121 368 8104
• We deliver private GP mental health support in Birmingham / Sutton Coldfield with fast access and continuity of care.

Don’t wait until things get worse. Book your private GP consultation today and begin your journey toward better mental health.