Anxiety & Depression: How A Mental Health Professional Can Help

From time to time, most adults feel stressed, worried or sad. However, when these feelings last for long periods of time, such as weeks or months, it’s likely that you are experiencing anxiety or depression. Understanding the signs of these conditions and gaining help from a psychologist, counsellor or other mental health professional can help you get things back on track.

Before seeing a mental health professional – ask your GP about anxiety and depression

You may find it difficult to recognise the early signs of anxiety or depression, and they can present differently in different people. Common early signs can include one or more of the following:

• Feeling a bit worried or flat
• Feeling like you’re in a constant state of upset
• You’ve lost interest in work, sports or activities you once enjoyed
• Feeling deeply stressed or agitated most of the time.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you can check in with your GP. Most Australian GPs are trained to recognise the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression. They can make a diagnosis of your condition and also check for any physical health problems or medications that may be making your symptoms worse.

From here, your GP can provide you with information about anxiety and depression, talk to you about your preferences for available treatment, and they can also help you draw up a mental health treatment plan. The treatment plan will help your GP gather important information about how you are feeling, and will help you get a Medicare rebate for psychological treatment should you choose that path.

Your GP can provide brief counselling support, refer you for further treatment with a mental health professional, prescribe medication and schedule regular appointments to monitor your progress as well.

Seeing a mental health professional about anxiety and depression

GPs may likely refer you to a psychologist, counsellor or other mental health professional, to manage anxiety and depression symptoms and causes.

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If you are experiencing these symptoms and have seen a mental health professional in the past, or would like to see a mental health professional to help better understand and manage your feelings of anxiety or depression, book an appointment with a psychologist, counsellor or other mental health professional.

During these times of COVID-19, there are telehealth options to see a mental health professional if you would like to stay in the comfort of your home.

Useful links:

• Health.gov.au – Better access to mental health care: fact sheet for patients
• Health.gov.au – GP mental health treatment plan
• Healthdirect.gov.au – Mental health care plan

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, Healthengine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.