We are coming up to Mental Health week.

Dear Doctor

We are coming up to Mental Health week. Now I know that some of you actually DO look at the mental health of the patients that you treat. And that is really great.

But I have known some that give no consideration for the mental health of the patient in front of them. Quite honestly, I don’t understand why. Surely when you consider a patient in front of you, would you NOT think about it?

Everybody is different, unique and individual, I agree. But I am sure you know as well as I do, that physical and mental health are closely aligned and they have a powerful impact on each other.

Even if a patient sitting in front of you has not been diagnosed with a mental health problem, you know the waiting lists are long and so there is a distinct possibility that mental health could be impacted. What do you think? I know people find it hard to admit they have mental health issues because of the stigma attached. You could be the one that makes the difference to them by recognising the connection!

Yours

The Invisible Patient