When Should You Consider an Anxiety Consultation

Feeling worried from time to time is a normal part of life. However, ongoing worry, physical symptoms, poor sleep or difficulty managing everyday activities may be signs that it is worth speaking with a health professional.

An Anxiety Consultation can provide an opportunity to discuss what you have been experiencing, how it affects your daily life and whether further assessment or support may be appropriate.

According to healthdirect, anxiety can affect concentration, sleep and everyday activities when symptoms become ongoing or overwhelming.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is the body’s natural response to a perceived or possible threat. Everyone experiences anxious feelings at different times.

For some people, these feelings may become ongoing or difficult to manage. Anxiety can affect thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and everyday behaviour.

Some people may experience:

• Ongoing worry
• Racing thoughts
• Difficulty relaxing
• Problems concentrating
• Changes in sleep
• Physical tension
• Feeling restless or on edge
• Avoiding situations because of worry
• Panic symptoms
• Difficulty managing normal daily activities

These experiences can vary from person to person. Having one or more of these symptoms does not automatically mean that someone has an anxiety disorder.

When Does Anxiety Become a Concern?

Occasional worry is different from anxiety that continues to affect daily life.

It may be worth discussing your symptoms with a GP or mental health professional if you notice that worry is becoming difficult to control or is affecting your work, study, relationships, sleep or other everyday activities.

Healthdirect recommends speaking with a doctor or mental health professional when anxiety symptoms are affecting everyday life.

An Anxiety Consultation may be considered when you want to better understand these symptoms and discuss whether a psychiatric assessment is appropriate.

Signs You May Want to Seek Professional Support

Your Worry Is Difficult to Control

You may find yourself thinking about the same concern repeatedly or expecting something to go wrong even when there is no immediate reason to feel unsafe.

Your Sleep Is Being Affected

Ongoing worry can make it difficult to relax at night or settle your thoughts before sleep.

You Are Avoiding Everyday Situations

Some people begin avoiding places, activities or situations because they expect them to cause distress.

Anxiety Is Affecting Daily Activities

If worry is making work, study, relationships or normal responsibilities harder to manage, professional support may be worth considering.

Physical Symptoms Are Present

Anxiety can also involve physical symptoms such as muscle tension, a racing heart, shakiness or shortness of breath.

Physical symptoms can have different causes, so it is important to discuss them with a qualified health professional rather than assuming they are caused by anxiety.

What Happens During an Anxiety Consultation?

An Anxiety Consultation is generally focused on understanding your individual experiences rather than simply looking at one symptom.

A psychiatrist may ask about:

• When your symptoms started
• How often they occur
• Situations that may make them worse
• How symptoms affect your daily life
• Sleep and general wellbeing
• Previous mental health experiences
• Other health conditions
• Current support and care
• What you would like help with

PsycheTel’s anxiety service describes an assessment that considers your history, anxiety patterns and how symptoms affect your life. The service also notes that other concerns such as depression, ADHD, trauma or sleep difficulties may be considered as part of the broader assessment.

Is an Anxiety Consultation the Same as a Diagnosis?

No.

An Anxiety Consultation provides an opportunity for a psychiatrist to assess your symptoms and overall situation. A diagnosis is only made when the appropriate clinical criteria are met.

A health professional may also consider whether another mental health or physical health condition could be contributing to your symptoms.

Healthdirect explains that assessment may involve questions about symptoms and how they affect daily life, and that other tests may sometimes be considered to rule out other health conditions.

This is why professional assessment can be useful when symptoms continue or become difficult to manage.

What Support May Be Discussed?

An Anxiety Consultation does not mean that the same approach will be recommended for everyone.

Depending on the assessment, a psychiatrist may discuss options such as:

• Psychological therapy or referral to an appropriate therapist
• Education about anxiety and related symptoms
• Practical strategies that may support daily wellbeing
• Ongoing monitoring
• Coordination with your GP or existing healthcare team
• Other clinically appropriate care options

The appropriate approach depends on the person’s symptoms, circumstances, preferences and clinical assessment.

PsycheTel states that its anxiety assessment may include therapy referrals, psychoeducation and practical coping strategies where appropriate.

Can Anxiety Be Assessed Online?

Telehealth may provide an option for some people to access psychiatric care without travelling to a clinic.

PsycheTel provides secure telehealth consultations across Australia for children, adolescents, adults and families.

However, telehealth may not be suitable for every person or every clinical situation. A psychiatrist can determine whether an online consultation is appropriate based on the individual’s circumstances.

How Can You Prepare for an Anxiety Consultation?

Preparing a few notes before an Anxiety Consultation may make it easier to explain what you have been experiencing.

You could write down:

• When you first noticed the symptoms
• How often they occur
• Situations that make them better or worse
• How your sleep has been affected
• Any changes in work, study or relationships
• Questions you want to ask
• Previous mental health support
• Relevant health information

You do not need to have everything worked out before speaking with a professional. The consultation is an opportunity to discuss your concerns and ask questions.

When Should You Speak With a GP or Mental Health Professional?

Consider speaking with a GP or mental health professional if anxiety is continuing, becoming difficult to manage or affecting your everyday life.

Your GP can help assess your symptoms and discuss appropriate next steps. They may also refer you to a psychiatrist or another mental health professional where appropriate.

If you are considering an Anxiety Consultation with PsycheTel, you can also review the PsycheTel anxiety service to learn more about the service.

You can also read the PsycheTel referral information if you are a GP or specialist considering a referral.

Anxiety Consultation With PsycheTel Australia

PsycheTel Australia provides online psychiatric consultations across Australia.

Its anxiety service focuses on understanding the person’s history, symptoms, daily experiences and broader wellbeing. The service is available through telehealth, with consultations provided by AHPRA registered psychiatrists.

If you would like to learn more about the service, visit the PsycheTel Anxiety Service or contact PsycheTel Australia.