C.  For General Practice

>>Tips for a youth-friendly GP consultation
>>Recognising the diverse needs of young people

Young people are often reluctant to see a GP, especially for mental health problems. They are more likely to talk to their friends, or their family, than to seek professional help.

This reluctance stems from several things, particularly that young people:

• don't like to talk to strangers about personal issues
• prefer to talk to someone they know and trust
• don't know how to express their emotional problems in words (lack of emotional competence)
• think they should deal with their problems themselves
• think their problems aren't serious enough for professional attention
• are fearful of being seen to be 'crazy'
• are afraid that others will find out about their mental health problems (confidentiality)
• have negative attitudes toward seeking professional help, especially that it won't help them
• don't know how to access a GP
• are worried about what happens when they see a professional (lack of experience or bad past experiences)
• are having suicidal thoughts (suicidal thoughts are a major barrier to seeking help from other people).