You probably know someone who has dealt with anxiety or depression — or you might be going through it yourself right now. Either way, it’s worth understanding what’s actually happening, because these conditions respond well to the right support.

What does anxiety actually feel like?

Anxiety isn’t just nerves before a big event. When it becomes a disorder, it sticks around and starts to interfere with everyday life. It can look different for everyone, but common signs include:

• Persistent worry that’s hard to switch off, even when there’s no obvious reason for it
• Feeling tense, restless, or on edge most of the time
• Trouble sleeping or staying focused
• Physical symptoms like a racing heart, tight chest, or an upset stomach
• Avoiding situations or places that trigger the feeling

Some people have one significant episode. Others live with a low-level hum of anxiety for years without realising it’s not just “how they are.” Both are worth talking to a GP about.

What does depression feel like?

Depression is more than a bad week or feeling flat after a tough time. It tends to show up as a persistent low mood, a loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, exhaustion that sleep doesn’t fix, and sometimes a sense of emptiness or hopelessness that’s hard to shake.

Other common signs include changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, withdrawing from people, and a feeling that things won’t improve. It’s also worth knowing that anxiety and depression often occur together — it’s not unusual to experience both at the same time.

When should you see a GP?

If your mood or anxiety has been affecting your day-to-day life for more than a couple of weeks, it’s time to come in. You don’t need to be at crisis point. In fact, the earlier you get support, the better the outcomes tend to be.

A GP appointment for mental health isn’t just a quick chat. Your doctor will take time to understand what you’re experiencing, rule out any physical causes (thyroid conditions and some vitamin deficiencies can mimic anxiety and depression), and work with you on a plan that makes sense for your situation.

What can a GP actually do?

The Mental Health Treatment Plan — what is it?

If your GP diagnoses you with a mental health condition, they can create a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). This is a formal document that gives you access to Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual therapy sessions per calendar year with a registered psychologist.

What about medication?

Medication is one tool, not the only one. For mild to moderate anxiety and depression, psychological therapies are often the recommended starting point. For more severe presentations, or where therapy alone isn’t cutting through, antidepressants can be very effective. Your GP will talk through the options honestly and help you weigh up what makes sense — without pushing you in any particular direction.

Onsite psychology at Southport Metro

We have a psychologist onsite, which means you can see your GP and your psychologist in the same place, with your care coordinated between them. No need to manage separate referrals across different locations.

Learn more about Steven Kose Psychology →

Talking about it is the hardest part

A lot of people put off coming in because they’re not sure their symptoms are “bad enough,” or they feel like they should just push through. But mental health conditions aren’t that different to physical ones — they don’t tend to improve on their own without some support.

If you’re not sure where to start, booking a standard GP appointment and saying “I’ve been struggling with my mental health” is enough. Your doctor will take it from there.

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