Yes, you should call your GP (General Practitioner) about anxiety, especially if it is frequent, overwhelming, or interfering with your daily life. Your GP is an excellent first point of contact and is trained to help you address mental health concerns in a private and non-judgmental way.
See a GP if:
you're struggling to cope with anxiety, fear or panic. things you're trying yourself are not helping. you would prefer to get a referral from a GP.
Talk to a doctor about how you're feeling.
The doctor or nurse may also check to see if you have another health condition (like heart disease or diabetes) that can cause anxiety or make it worse. If you have one of these health conditions, it's important to get treatment right away.
Be honest.
You should also share any major stressors or recent life changes that could be triggering or exacerbating your symptoms. Symptoms of mental illnesses may include: Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood.
How to Ask for Anxiety Medication. To get anxiety medication, meet with your provider and discuss your symptoms in depth, explaining how they negatively impact your life. Your provider will assess your anxiety levels and may refer you to a mental health specialist if needed.
How to Know If You Need Anxiety Medication
If a GP concludes that medication would help, they can prescribe some medications directly, or give a referral to a psychiatrist.
Five common anxiety symptoms include excessive worry, a racing heart, trouble sleeping, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating, often accompanied by physical feelings like a churning stomach, shortness of breath, and muscle tension, alongside irritability. These symptoms can be persistent and interfere with daily life, signaling the need for professional help.
To diagnose an anxiety disorder, a doctor performs a physical exam, asks about your symptoms, and recommends a blood test, which helps the doctor determine if another condition, such as hypothyroidism, may be causing your symptoms. The doctor may also ask about any medications you are taking.
Worry excessively about everyday things. Have trouble controlling their worries or feelings of nervousness. Feel irritable or “on edge” frequently. Feel restless or have trouble relaxing.
“Psychotherapy,” also called talk therapy, is a term for a variety of treatment techniques that aim to help you identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviors. A mental health provider talks through strategies to help you better understand and manage an anxiety disorder.
The main treatments a GP may offer include: talking therapies – usually cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with the support of a therapist, either by yourself or in a group. medicines that can help to treat anxiety – usually a type of antidepressant called an SSRI.
Defining high-functioning anxiety
They often are successful in careers or other roles, yet internally struggle with persistent feelings of stress, self-doubt and the fear of not measuring up. They feel extremely uncomfortable inside and struggle with significant self-criticism.
If one SSRI doesn't work for you or causes unwanted side effects, your GP can recommend a different dose or prescribe a different SSRI; Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) – like duloxetine or venlafaxine; Pregabalin – this is an anticonvulsant drug, which can benefit anxiety.
Conditions That Look Like Anxiety
Generalized anxiety disorder includes persistent and excessive anxiety and worry about activities or events — even ordinary, routine issues. The worry is out of proportion to the actual circumstance, is difficult to control and affects how you feel physically.
He or she can check for signs of an underlying medical condition that may need treatment. However, you may need to see a mental health specialist if you have severe anxiety. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.
If you're experiencing feelings of anxiety that won't go away, talk with your doctor, especially if you identify with the following signs.
The first step to bringing up feelings of anxiety is by saying to your primary care physician something like, “I want to discuss what I have been feeling lately.” Many people suffer from anxiety but do not seek treatment. Cultural stigmas can play an enormous role in how people view anxiety.
Here are some common symptoms of anxiety:
Your GP is an important starting point for addressing any health concerns. Most GPs have a wealth of experience in assessing and supporting people various mental health issues. GPs can also refer you to mental health specialists or services such as counsellors, psychologists or psychiatrists.
Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines can increase the calming effect of certain chemicals in your brain. When you take a benzodiazepine, it can reduce anxiety and may help you sleep. Examples are diazepam and lorazepam.
Why do I suddenly feel anxious for no reason? Sudden anxiety usually has a cause, even if it isn't apparent. Factors like poor sleep, skipped meals, stress, hormones, trauma, or routine changes can trigger it. Your body may be responding to subtle cues your mind hasn't registered yet.