When your GP has a bad day Dr Rob Hicks The image most people have of their GP is someone who always cares and is willing to help, so it can be a shock when they discover this isn't always the case.

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It's easy to forget that GPs have personal lives: their children may have kept them up all night, they could have older relatives to look after, or have relationship problems. In this respect, they're no different to anyone else.

Patients react differently when they find this out at first hand, when their GP seems bored, tired, fed-up, uninterested or even angry. If you've known your GP for a while you may recognise when they're having a bad day and probably won't think any more about it.

More and more, however, patients don't see the same doctor each time they visit their GP practice so they only get a snapshot of that person. When this isn't positive, it's likely to leave the patient feeling upset and unimpressed.

If your GP appears to be having a bad day, instead of getting angry or frustrated, acknowledge that they seem to be having a rough time. Often this acknowledgement will help your GP get back on track and you'll get the care and attention you need.

No matter how they're feeling, a GP should always behave professionally. If they don't feel able to do this, steps should be taken to protect them and their patients from possible harm.

Traditionally, GPs have been good at caring for others but not so good at looking after themselves. Things are gradually improving, with GPs recognising that they're allowed to be ill and have emotional problems, just like anyone else.

As long as you understand this too, everyone will be well looked after.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in February 2007.