Mental Health in a Nutshell

Background: Mental health disorders are common throughout the world and are responsible for a large proportion of the burden of morbidity, mortality and health expenditure. General Practitioners are the most likely first 'port of call' but may not have enough time, training or resources to properly assess, manage, monitor or prevent mental health problems.

Objectives: To create a practical and efficient non-pharmaceutical tool using evidence-based parameters that can be easily used by GPs in a busy practice.

Discussion: 'Mental Health in a Nutshell' describes how discussing exercise, social engagement, activities of daily living, meaning, mindfulness techniques, gratitude and strengths can assist patients with mild to moderate mental illness. In combination with risk assessment, medication, formal psychological therapies and referral, this tool may also decrease the 'disability' caused by even severe mental illness and assist in improving resilience.