Mental Health
The role of the doctor or general practitioner (GP) when providing mental health services is to make sure that people return to their normal mental and physical state by identifying and in turn managing the mental health problem.
GPs at the clinic level often provide additional services including
- resolving family issues through community workers,
- budgeting,
- social services,
- education and
- income support services
that can be provided and delivered through
- traditional healthcare clinics,
- marae and community venues or
- local and religious groups.
Mental health is more than the mere absence of mental illness. It involves
- a person’s feelings,
- coping strategies,
- satisfaction with the various aspects of their life, and
- the extent to which their spiritual and cultural needs are met.
Improving a person’s mental health depends on the provision of appropriate health services as well as the broader social, economic and cultural environments.
