What is anxiety?
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in Australia, affecting over two million people each year. It involves persistent feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease that can interfere with daily life. While everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, clinical anxiety disorders involve symptoms that are disproportionate to the situation and difficult to control.
Common symptoms include racing thoughts, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, sleep disturbances, and avoidance of situations that trigger worry. Anxiety can manifest as generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, or specific phobias.
Anxiety is a treatable condition. With an appropriate combination of medical support, therapy, and lifestyle changes, many people may experience improvement in their symptoms. Your GP will assess your individual circumstances to recommend a suitable approach.
When to see a doctor about anxiety
You should speak with a GP if anxiety is affecting your ability to work, study, maintain relationships, or carry out everyday tasks. If you find yourself avoiding situations due to worry, experiencing frequent panic attacks, or relying on alcohol or other substances to cope, it is important to seek professional help.
Early intervention may help prevent anxiety from worsening. A GP can assess your symptoms, rule out any underlying physical causes such as thyroid conditions, and help you develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or call 000 in an emergency.
How a telehealth GP can help with anxiety
A telehealth consultation with a NewDoc GP is a convenient and private way to get help for anxiety. Your doctor can conduct a thorough assessment of your symptoms, discuss your medical history, and recommend an appropriate treatment pathway. Many patients find telehealth particularly helpful for anxiety, as it removes the stress of travelling to a clinic and waiting in a crowded waiting room.
During your appointment, the GP can prescribe medication, create a Mental Health Care Plan to access Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions, provide referrals to psychiatrists or counsellors, and issue medical certificates if anxiety is affecting your ability to work or study.
Treatment options for anxiety
Treatment for anxiety typically involves a combination of approaches. Your GP may recommend cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is a well-established psychological treatment for anxiety disorders. With a Mental Health Care Plan, you can access up to 10 Medicare-rebated sessions per year with a registered psychologist.
If your GP determines that medication may be appropriate, they can discuss the available options with you during your consultation. A number of anxiety medications are available on the PBS and can be prescribed via telehealth.
Lifestyle modifications may also play an important role. Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, and practising relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or breathing exercises may help support anxiety management alongside clinical treatment.