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Primary mental healthcare: patients’ perspectives1175which, according to the participants, includes knowledge about the patient’s past and context, is seen as a prerequisite for opening up during consultations and accepting and following GP advice. She’s like my confidential advisor … I feel safe with my GP … the attention that someone, the feeling that someone actually sees you. For the first time in my life, I talked to someone [about traumas in her youth]. (P4)Some participants had a better relation with their MHNP than with their GP. Aspects considered important in this respect concerned the MHNP having more time to talk, the contact being perceived as less formal, and participants being less worried that somatic problems would be dismissed as psychological. When I go to my GP, the appointment is very short … but, when I go to S [MHNP], I can really explain what the problem is. I can talk about things. I need time to talk about the things I want to say, but that isn’t possible at the GP’s. (P8)As participants found it difficult to talk about their MH problems, GPs were expected to initiate questions on MH problems, continue to explore the full details of MH problems, and show initiative to involve the participant’s network.Then it’s really important to have someone who keeps asking me questions. Also because I’m afraid to say or I don’t know if this is something psychological. And that’s really difficult for the GP because he or she can’t read my mind. (P4)Theme 3: Patient needs regarding the network Participants indicated valuing the opinion and support of their network – both family members and professional carers. Participants need the network for signalising and assessing MH problems, and encouraging contact with the GP when deemed necessary.Katrien Pouls sHL.indd 117 24-06-2024 16:26