GET TO KNOW US and what we stand for
I'm Dr Shiromi, a GP who cares about your mental health; a GP who wants to see you succeed and get better.
WHAT'S OUR MISSION
We're here to provide access to timely mental health support when you want it.
It’s often only when things reach a crisis point that you make the difficult decision to seek help. Your relationship might be on the rocks; your boss may have called you in for a performance chat, or you might have got to the stage where you can’t sleep and feel beyond exhausted. The last thing you want to hear is that there’s a -week wait to see a psychologist - you need things sorted yesterday.
Rather than leave you unsupported, twiddling thumbs, and letting your situation go from bad to worse, our objective is to provide you with the tools and know-how to get you feeling better. The theory is quite simple: informed and engaged patients have better health outcomes. There’s a lot we need to do to improve the mental health of our community. At The Cloud GP, we believe that the first step is making mental health support accessible. When we equip people with evidence-based knowledge and skills, we equip them with the ability to turn things around, improve their mental well-being, and start living life as the best version of themselves.
HOWÂ IT ALL STARTED...
So why did I step out of the comfort of my GP office?
I've been a doctor for 15 years, and I must admit, I love being a GP. I have the most wonderful patients: mums and dads who are doing an inspirational job looking after their kiddos; go-getting professionals who are passionate about their work; and all in all, people who are kind, generous, hard-working, and an absolute pleasure to consult with.
I love mental health because often I know my patients before they start experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. So, I know what they used to be like and their full potential. Helping these incredible people get back to their former vibrant, capable, and confident selves so they can hit home runs at work, be the best parents and happy partners - there’s no better feeling as a clinician, total warm and fuzzies.
The system is under-resourced, and it genuinely makes me upset that only so few get access to the timely help they’ve so courageously asked for. After completing my specialist training and becoming a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, I completed further training in psychological strategies and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I continue to attend expert-led seminars and conferences by leaders in the mental health space, so I can fill that gap for my patients.
I’m proud when my patients walk into their psychology appointment with a solid understanding of their condition and insight into the steps they need to take to get better. They’ve made positive lifestyle changes, have an established skill set to manage worries, and, most importantly, have a sense of relief that everything will be okay. They know I’m on their team, and we’ll work together to get them back on track.
That’s why I started The Cloud GP because no one should feel incapable and like a burden to the people around them. I want you to get access to the same support I provide my patients, the moment you want it – online, at your pace, in your time, 24/7, 365 days a year. I want you to get back to feeling confident, capable, and like you can take on the world, living life to the fullest and enjoying the journey along the way.
BE IN THE KNOW
Get to know your online GP...
▶︎ Shiromi was inspired to do medicine by her father, a hard-working GP himself… and Healthy Harold the Giraffe, if you’re a 90s kid from regional Australia you know.
▶︎ Shiromi grew up in rural NSW, Mungindi - days spent at the local pool with friends, fishing for Barra and babysitting a lamb from a cattle station she affectionately named Brownie.
▶︎ Every month Shiromi catches up with her amazing Mothers Group friends to check a new and exciting Melbourne restaurant and enjoy cheeky wine. She loves their company!
▶︎ Shiromi is of Sri Lankan heritage and can make a delicious biriyani. Apart from cooking, other hobbies include vegepod gardening and listening to true crime podcasts.
▶︎ You can find her on the weekends at her local parklands, a Farmer's Market or enjoying brunch with hubby, son & Labrador fur child, Snickers.
I"M A REGISTERED MEMBER OF:
GRAB OUR FREEBIE
Mental Health Action Toolkit
You have taken a brave and courageous step to sort out a Mental Health Care Plan with your GP. Now, it's time to prepare for your psychology appointment and take the necessary action steps to keep up that momentum.
