Managing Anxiety and Depression with Your GP

ByFamily Doctor Editorial

One in five Australians experiences a mental health condition in any given year — and anxiety and depression are the most common. Your GP is typically the first point of contact, with the tools to diagnose, treat, refer, and coordinate ongoing care. This guide covers what to expect.

Recognising the Signs

Depression

  • Persistent low mood or sadness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Sleep disturbance (too much or too little)
  • Appetite or weight changes
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Symptoms lasting more than two weeks and affecting daily life warrant medical review. In men, depression often shows as anger, irritability, withdrawal, or increased drinking rather than classic sadness.

Anxiety

  • Persistent worry that feels hard to control
  • Restlessness or feeling “on edge”
  • Muscle tension
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Physical symptoms — racing heart, tightness in chest, nausea, sweating
  • Panic attacks — sudden intense episodes of fear with physical symptoms
  • Avoidance of places, situations, or activities

Many people have both anxiety and depression — they commonly overlap.

The First GP Appointment

Book a long appointment — mental health conversations take time. Your GP will:

  • Ask about your current symptoms and history
  • Explore stressors, relationships, work, and life circumstances
  • Check for physical causes (thyroid, vitamin D, anaemia, medication effects, sleep apnoea)
  • Assess severity using validated tools (K10, PHQ-9, GAD-7)
  • Ask about suicide risk — a routine part of mental health care, not a sign of deep concern
  • Discuss treatment options with you

Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)

A Mental Health Treatment Plan is a structured plan your GP creates that gives you access to Medicare-rebated psychology sessions — up to 10 per calendar year.

With the plan, Medicare pays a rebate for each session with a psychologist, clinical psychologist, social worker, or occupational therapist. Many providers bulk bill eligible patients; others charge a gap fee. We cover this in more detail in our Mental Health Plan guide.

Psychology and Talking Therapies

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) — gold-standard for anxiety and depression. Practical skills-based approach.
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — mindfulness-based; focuses on values and action.
  • Interpersonal therapy — works on relationships and life transitions.
  • Trauma-focused therapies — EMDR, trauma-focused CBT.
  • Telehealth psychology — most psychologists now offer video sessions. Makes care more accessible.

Medications

For moderate to severe symptoms, or when therapy alone isn’t enough, medications can help. Common first-line options:

  • SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) — sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine. First-line for both depression and anxiety.
  • SNRIs (serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors) — venlafaxine, duloxetine.
  • Mirtazapine — helpful when sleep and appetite are disturbed.
  • Other options — tricyclics, newer agents like vortioxetine.

Key points about antidepressants:

  • Take 4-6 weeks to show full effect
  • Side effects (nausea, jitteriness) often ease in the first 2 weeks
  • Not addictive but shouldn’t be stopped abruptly
  • Usually continued for 6-12 months minimum after symptoms resolve
  • Your GP can adjust doses or switch medications if the first doesn’t work

Self-Help and Lifestyle

  • Regular exercise — evidence-based treatment for mild-moderate depression
  • Sleep hygiene — regular sleep schedule, limit screens in bed
  • Reduce alcohol — alcohol worsens both anxiety and depression
  • Social connection — even small daily interactions matter
  • Mindfulness apps — Smiling Mind (free), Headspace, Calm
  • Online programs — MindSpot and THIS WAY UP offer free or low-cost CBT programs

When to Seek Urgent Help

If you’re having thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or are in crisis:

  • Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24/7)
  • Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467
  • Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636
  • Kids Helpline (5-25 years) — 1800 55 1800
  • Emergency — 000 or go to the nearest emergency department

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Mental Health Plan to see a psychologist?

You can see any psychologist privately without one. The MHTP is what gives you Medicare rebates on sessions.

Will my GP tell anyone about my mental health?

No — GP consultations are confidential. Information is only shared with your written consent or in rare circumstances of immediate risk of harm.

Can I get antidepressants via telehealth?

Yes — for existing patients of a clinic, telehealth prescriptions are routine. First-time antidepressant prescriptions often need an in-person assessment.

Is it bad to take antidepressants long-term?

No. For people with recurrent depression or ongoing anxiety, long-term use is appropriate and well-studied. Many people take them for years safely.

Book a Mental Health Appointment

If anxiety or depression is affecting your life, book a long GP appointment. Find your nearest Family Doctor clinic.

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