Starting work, studying, moving out, travelling, building relationships or becoming a parent are all part of growing up.
Looking after your own health is another rite of passage, but it’s one that’s easy to overlook.
If you’re generally healthy, it’s natural to think a GP is only for serious illness.
Getting support early can make everyday health concerns easier to manage, giving you confidence to enjoy whatever comes next.
In this article
You don’t have to wait until something is seriously wrong
Many young adults put off seeing a GP because they don’t feel “sick enough”.
A headache that keeps coming back, poor sleep, ongoing tiredness, changes to your skin, or feeling more stressed than usual can all be easy to dismiss with the hope they’ll settle on their own.
You don’t need to have all the answers before making an appointment.
A general health and medical consultation is simply a chance to talk through what’s been happening, ask questions and decide whether anything needs further attention.
What can a GP actually help with?
General practice is about much more than colds and prescriptions.
Young adults often see a GP for things like:
- Mental health concerns
- Recurring headaches
- Sports injuries
- Skin changes
- Contraception
- Travel advice
- Vaccinations
- Sexual health
- Fatigue and poor sleep
- Questions about your health
Asking the question can save weeks or months of unnecessary worry.
Quick Self-Check
Have You Been Putting Your Health Last?
Answer Yes or No to each statement below.
Looking after your health starts earlier than you think
Looking after your health is about making informed decisions before small concerns become bigger interruptions to your life.
Getting advice early can help you manage ongoing symptoms, understand your family health history, keep vaccinations up to date and identify changes that deserve attention before they begin affecting work, study, travel or family life.
Queensland Health provides information on adult health checks from age 15, covering everything from emotional wellbeing to skin and reproductive health.
Mental health is part of your overall health
Looking after your health also means paying attention to how you’re feeling emotionally.
Stress, anxiety, burnout and feeling overwhelmed have become increasingly common among young Australians. You don’t have to wait until things feel unmanageable before asking for support.
The ABC News video below explores why youth mental health has become an increasingly important issue across Australia.
If you’d like to learn more about the support available, visit our Mental Health service.
Did you know? Small, evidence-based habits can make a real difference to your mental wellbeing. Learn more in our article, Building Mental Strength: Everyday Tips Backed by Science.
Finding the right GP
Some health concerns are easier to discuss with a doctor you feel comfortable with.
Mooney Street Medical offers both male and female GPs. Seeing someone you trust and feeling at ease can make it easier to ask the questions you’ve been putting off.
If there’s a topic you’d rather not avoid any longer, our Gender Specific Health Issues page explains how we can help.
So, when should you see a GP?
If you’ve finished this article thinking, “That sounds a bit like me”, you’ve probably answered your own question.
You don’t need to wait until something becomes serious to book an appointment.
Whether it’s a symptom that won’t settle, a question you’ve been putting off, or simply wanting personalised advice, a General Health & Medical Consult can help you understand what’s going on and what to do next.
