Anxiety and Depression: When to See a GP
Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health conditions in Australia, affecting around 1 in 5 adults each year. The good news: both are highly treatable. The first step is talking to your GP — confidentially and without judgement — and the sooner you do, the sooner you feel better.
Recognising Anxiety
Anxiety is more than just feeling worried. When it becomes persistent, excessive, or interferes with daily life, it may be an anxiety disorder. Common symptoms include:
- Constant worry that is hard to switch off
- Restlessness, feeling on edge, or keyed up
- Racing thoughts and trouble concentrating
- Sleep problems — trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Physical symptoms: racing heart, tight chest, shortness of breath, sweaty palms, nausea, headache, muscle tension
- Panic attacks — sudden intense fear with physical symptoms
- Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety
- Feeling tired and irritable
Recognising Depression
Depression is more than feeling sad. Clinical depression lasts for weeks or longer and significantly affects how you function. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent low mood, sadness, or empty feeling
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Fatigue and low energy — even small tasks feel exhausting
- Changes in sleep — either insomnia or sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness
- Irritability or anger (especially in men)
- Physical symptoms with no clear cause: headaches, back pain, digestive problems
- Thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide
When to See a GP Urgently
Book a same-day appointment or go to an emergency department if you:
- Are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Have a plan to harm yourself or someone else
- Feel out of control or unable to cope
- Are experiencing a mental health crisis
You can also call Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) — all available 24/7, all confidential.
What Happens at the GP Appointment?
Book a long consultation (30 minutes or more) so there is time to talk properly. You do not need to have everything figured out — your GP will guide the conversation. They will ask:
- How long have you been feeling this way?
- How is it affecting your work, relationships, sleep, and daily life?
- Any triggering events or stresses?
- Physical health, medications, alcohol and drug use
- Family history of mental health conditions
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Your GP may use a standardised questionnaire (e.g. K10 or PHQ-9) to help assess the severity of your symptoms. Everything you share is confidential and not disclosed to family, employers, or insurers without your consent.
Mental Health Treatment Plans
If your GP diagnoses a mental health condition, they can prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MBS item 2715 or 2717). This gives you access to up to 10 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions per calendar year under the Better Access initiative.
Many Family Doctor clinics bulk bill Mental Health Treatment Plans for eligible patients. See our mental health page for full details on how these plans work.
Treatment Options
Your treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and your preferences. Options include:
- Psychological therapy (talking therapy): Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), or other evidence-based approaches with a psychologist
- Medication: Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication, if appropriate. Modern SSRIs are generally safe and effective
- Lifestyle interventions: Regular exercise, sleep hygiene, reduced alcohol, mindfulness, and social connection
- Group therapy or online programs: MindSpot, This Way Up, and Beyond Blue have free evidence-based online courses
- Referral to a psychiatrist: For complex or treatment-resistant cases
Telehealth Mental Health Consultations
If going into a clinic feels too hard, many Family Doctor GPs offer telehealth mental health consultations by phone or video. Medicare rebates apply the same as in-person visits, and this can be a less intimidating first step.
Find a Family Doctor Clinic Near You
Reaching out is the hardest step. Once you have booked the appointment, your GP will do the rest. Everything you say is confidential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my mental health be on my record?
Mental health consultations are part of your medical record, which is confidential. It does not appear on standard background checks, employment screening, or travel insurance applications. The only exceptions are if you specifically authorise disclosure or in very rare circumstances where there is a serious risk of harm.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
To access Medicare rebates on psychology sessions, yes — you need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP first. Without a plan, you can see a psychologist privately but will not receive Medicare rebates.
Are antidepressants addictive?
No. Modern antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs) are not addictive in the way benzodiazepines or opioids are. However, you should not stop them abruptly — your GP will guide a gradual taper when it is time to come off. Most people take antidepressants for 6–12 months or longer.
Can I just try lifestyle changes without medication?
Yes — this is often the first approach for mild depression and anxiety. Regular exercise, improved sleep, reduced alcohol, and talking therapy are often enough. If symptoms are severe or do not improve after lifestyle changes, medication may help. This is a decision you and your GP will make together.