Do We Need Doctors to Chat About Our Mental Health?

A recent survey showed that most adults in the US want their primary-care doctors to ask about their mental well-being. But surprisingly, only one in three say this actually happens during checkups. What's going on? Dr. Turner from Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles shared some thoughts. He says that mental health discussions aren't always easy. "You can't guess what someone needs before they arrive, " he says. His trick? Start with simple questions like, "What's up today? What makes you happy? " But why is mental health so crucial? Dr. Turner explains that conditions like depression can make everyday tasks feel daunting. "Even taking your regular meds can be tough, " he notes. This can hurt your physical health too. Yikes!The bright side? We're getting more comfortable talking about mental health. But when doctors don't bring it up, it's a lost chance to build trust. "I don't need to fix everything, " says Turner, "but I must listen and guide them to the right help. " Patients also have a role. They should find a doctor who really understands them. "It's like dating, " Turner suggests, "you might not find the perfect match right away, but keep trying! " The survey also found that half of people think it's vital for primary-care doctors to check for anxiety and depression. Almost 60% felt the same about treatments. The key is feeling safe to discuss important topics. "We need to create a spot where people feel comfortable talking, " Turner advises. So, the next time you see your doctor, remember, it's not just about your body. Your mind matters too!