Physical Health

How can my GP and Practice Nurse help me?

Your health is very important. This leaflet will tell you how you can get the most from your GP and Practice Nurse and what they can do to help you with your:

• Physical Health
• Mental Health Medicines

What is a Practice Register?

To get this new service the GP will ask you if they can put your name on a “practice register”.The information on this register is confidential.This register is just a list on the computer to remind the GP or nurse of how and when he or she should be helping you and in particular to invite you for an annual health check. GP practices are also developing registers for other people such as those with diabetes, breathing problems and heart disease.

If you and your GP or practice nurse think it is required you may see them more frequently.

What if I don't want to be on the Register?

You do not have to be on the register, but if you are not, you may miss being called for an annual check.This does not affect your right to see a GP or nurse when you need to.

You can change your mind at anytime about being on a register.

Why do I need Physical Health Checks?

Physical health can be overlooked. Having a diagnosis of schizophrenia or manic-depression (also known as bipolar disorder) may increase the risk of physical health problems.Some medicines may have an impact on your physical health.

What will my Physical Health Check involve?

At your physical health check, the GP or practice nurse will:

• Take your blood pressure
• Take your pulse
• Do a urine or blood test
• Weigh you

They can tell you why they are doing these tests.

You can also ask for advice on:

• Smoking, alcohol and drugs
• Physical exercise
• Healthy eating
• Screening for other health problems
• Whether you need a flu jab

Your Medicines

Your GP may already provide you with prescriptions for your medicines.

Your GP or practice nurse will ask if your medicines are helping you and if you are having problems with side effects. Side effects may include

• putting on weight
• shaking, feeling stiff, being slow or restless
• sexual problems
• excessive tiredness

For those people on lithium, the GP will want to make sure you have had a blood test at least once every six months.You may also need blood tests for other medicines.If you and the GP are happy with the medicines you are taking he or she will ask you to continue with them.If there are any problems with your medicines, your GP may change them or talk to you about referring you back to your mental health team.

Mental Health

Your GP or practice nurse will also ask about your mental health as they are there to help with that too.If you agree, he or she will keep an up-to-date name of your key worker, if you have one, and the name of a friend or family member to contact in times of crisis.He or she will refer you to your mental health team if required.

Summary

• You are the expert in how you feel.
• Looking after yourself is important. If your health changes in any way or you are worried about your health it is worth going to your GP or telling your key worker if you have one.
• Your practice nurse or GP are there to support you to be healthy and to stay healthy.
• Your practice nurse or GP can help you look after your physical health and mental health and give advice on the medicines you are taking.
• You may only need an annual health check but if required you may need to visit your GP practice more frequently.
• If there are any problems with your mental health, or mental health medication, your GP will talk to you and may refer you back to your mental health team.

More Help?

If you have any further questions about how GPs and nurses can help you, please contact:

Rethink

Tel: 0845 4560455

National Advice Service, 28 Castle Street , Kingston , KT1 1SS

Email: advice@rethink.org

Web: www.rethink.org

NHS Direct

Tel: 0845 46 47

For more information about manic depression and the help that might be available to you please contact

Manic Depression Fellowship

Tel: 08456 340549

21 St George's Road , London , SE1 6ES

E-mail: mdf@mdf.org.uk

Web: www.mdf.org.uk

If you want to know more about mental health and what GPs are responsible for you can look on the NIMHE website.

www.nimhe.org.uk

You can also ask your GP or practice nurse for advice about where you can get further help and information, including information on local self-help groups.Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from pharmaceutical companies working in partnership with the National Institute for Mental Health in England. See www.nimhe.org.uk for more information.