Further advice

Before you talk to them though, it’s a very good idea to think about what you want to ask and write it down. Some general questions you might want to ask are listed below.

• ‘How can I make sure I eat healthily?’  
• ‘What information can I get about healthy eating?’
• ‘Where can I do more exercise?’
• ‘How can I get more exercise without spending more money?’
• ‘Where can I get advice about cutting down on smoking?’
• ‘What nicotine replacement can I get?’
• ‘Who can help me to control my drinking?’
• ‘What help can I get to cut down on smoking cannabis?’
• ‘Who can give me advice on cutting down on other drugs?’
• ‘How can I stop getting diarrhoea/constipation/indigestion?’

These questions are a good place to start, but it’s a good idea to try and make the questions as specific as possible. For example, ask about specific foods that you’re worried about, or specific problems you’re having with giving up smoking, or finding a place to exercise.

Whilst you’re talking to your GP or nurse, take notes about what they’re saying. If they use any technical terms that you don’t understand, ask them to explain again. There’s no need to be embarrassed if you don’t understand the terms they use.

There is evidence that some GPs or nurses do not take the physical health problems of people with mental illness sufficiently seriously – you may need to be very persistent if you have a physical health problem to get it treated. But do not give up – you have the right to have your physical health problems treated. It is important that you get help for your physical problems, like constipation or indigestion, as soon as possible – the earlier a problem is treated, the easier it will be.

You could take a friend or relative along with you if you think this will help. Or you could find an advocate to accompany you. Advocates work with their clients to ensure that their client’s voice is heard. Acting at their client’s instruction, they can either speak on a client’s behalf or support the client whilst they speak for themselves.

For help finding an advocate, contact the Rethink National Advice Service by phoning 020 8974 6814 (open Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm), writing to Rethink Advice, 28 Castle Street, Kingston upon Thames, SURREY KT1 1SS or emailing advice@rethink.org. Or contact your local community mental health team.