20Talk, a dedicated youth charity and TheCloudGP, a leading online mental health platform, proudly announce the debut of a ground-breaking three-part YouTube series; ‘Confident Conversations: Talking Mental Health with Your GP’. This series aims to confront the stigma surrounding mental health consultations with general practitioners.
New YouTube Series Provides Practical Mental Health Guidance
This innovative series offers practical advice on how to prepare for a mental health consult, insights into common questions a GP might ask, and tips on starting the journey towards recovery and symptom management. In addition to these valuable insights, the series provides free resources designed to encourage proactive health-seeking behaviour among young people.
The collaboration between TheCloudGP and 20Talk reflects a shared commitment to improving mental health outcomes and fostering an environment where seeking help is recognised as a strength, not a weakness.
Addressing Mental Health Stigma with Professional Insights
Dr. Shiromi Wimalaguna, GP and Founder of TheCloudGP, addresses common concerns about seeking help: “It’s normal to feel apprehensive discussing mental health with a GP, but as medical professionals, our role is to help, not judge. Trusted online resources, created with healthcare experts, can bridge this gap, providing validation and support, empowering individuals to confidently engage in care.”
Dr. Wimalaguna emphasises the importance of building rapport with a GP: “The more open and honest the dialogue, the better we can tailor care. Overcoming stigma and hesitancy at the forefront is paramount.”
Furthermore, Dr. Wimalaguna stresses the significance of early intervention and resource allocation challenges: “As GPs, we acknowledge the concern of young Australians facing prolonged wait times to see psychologists. Amid resource limitations, the use of online self-directed mental health resources that work as an adjunct to traditional models of GP care is crucial. This collaborative approach empowers patients to proactively initiate positive lifestyle change and practical psychology skills, helping them make the most of wait times and start their journey to feeling better even before they step into a psychologist’s office.”
Supporting Statistics from Mental Health Australia
Statistics from Mental Health Australia’s 2023 “Report to the Nation” underscore the importance of this initiative1:
- 46% of young Australians felt they had faced a barrier to accessing support over the past 12 months
- 18% of Australians utilise digital mental health services or apps, signalling a growing trend in seeking digital assistance.
- 21% of individuals cite cost as a barrier to mental health support, highlighting the value of free resources like the collaborative YouTube series and low-cost online programs such as TheCloudGP’s offerings.
Encouraging Proactive Mental Health Management
Dr. Wimalaguna further emphasizes the series’ practical approach: “While leveraging social media and digital platforms may challenge our comfort zones as clinicians, it’s vital. These platforms serve as hubs of connection and information for many young Australians. We need more doctors connecting with the youth demographic, encouraging them to come in, shedding light and insights on difficult and vulnerable conversations. By preparing for GP appointments, understanding expectations, and actively participating in treatment, individuals can significantly enhance their mental well-being.”
To access the YouTube series and download free resources, click here: TheCloudGPx20Talk – Servier Australia
References:
1. Mental Health Australia (2023). Report to the Nation. Retrieved from https://mhaustralia.org/report/2023-report-nation
Sponsored by Servier. Burnley VIC. JULY24. 104964
