The thinking is that the people who go for a general check-up with the GP are the 'worried well' and that they are less likely to be unwell. The question here is how to get the people who are ill and do not want to go to their GP to open up and seek help. Talking and sharing is undoubtedly one of the best ways to start dealing with an illness, be it physical, mental or emotional.
It is often the case that once people have taken the first step to talk to someone they are more able to find the right way towards healing. Jill Sudbury of the Welbeing Clinic gives an example; "I had a lady book for a reflexology appointment and when she came it was not long before she was talking about some deep seated issues associated with bereavement. Once she had opened up and started to talk to about these things she was able to confront some difficult issues and start taking steps forward. She subsequently attended some counselling sessions and the change in her was remarkable."
The power of sharing your concerns or worries with the right person should not be underestimated. It might be that the GP surgery is the best port of call in the first instance, or it might be a friend or perhaps an alternative therapist or counsellor. The important thing is not to let yourself become unwell because you feel you should keep everything contained and manage alone.
