I was pleased to hear @triplejHack covering mental health for #RUOKDay - such an important issue, particularly for young people.
And then @PatMcGorry seemed to suggest that young people shouldn't see their GP for mental health problems.
I'm sure that's not what he meant to say

Because GPs are used to seeing people with mental health problems, including young people.
In fact, it's what we see most! (Including in young people)

And often people have physical symptoms as a result of their mental health problems, or possibly other problems. A GP can help sort out what's causing what.

And often the GP has seen you already for other things. That sore throat. The football injury. The contraception your parents don't know about. You already know them, you're not telling really difficult stories to a stranger.

And Headspace are great. But they'll send you back to your GP for a Mental Health Plan on Medicare. Or to their GP, who you've not met before.

So really, please @PatMcGorry, don't think that GPs aren't part of the solution to the gap in mental health care in Australia. Any solution that doesn't include GPs is not a solution at all.

(And I'm happy to chat about this with @triplejHack on or off air, should you wish, as would many many GPs across the country)