I’ve Been Diagnosed with Anxiety

Whether a psychologist or psychiatrist has diagnosed you with anxiety, or you have recognised the signs yourself, this realisation can feel overwhelming.

You might be thinking:
“OK… I have anxiety. Now what?”

If you feel unsure about your next steps, that’s completely normal. You are not alone — around 14% of Australians experience anxiety each year. The good news is that anxiety is highly treatable, and there are effective ways to understand and manage it.

Why Taking Action Matters

Many people delay seeking help for anxiety. Some try to manage it on their own, while others hope it will simply go away. Research shows that over 40% of people never seek treatment.

However, anxiety rarely disappears without support. In fact, ignoring anxiety can often make it stronger over time. The earlier you take action, the easier it becomes to manage.

How Can Anxiety Be Treated?

There are many ways to treat anxiety, including:

• Self-help resources (books, online tools, apps)
• Lifestyle changes and stress management strategies
• Professional support, such as therapy

Many people find it especially helpful to speak with a psychologist. Psychologists are trained in evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety.

With the right support, you can:

• Understand your anxiety triggers
• Change unhelpful thinking patterns
• Build practical coping strategies
• Improve your overall quality of life

Long-term research shows that anxiety can be successfully managed, and symptoms can significantly reduce over time.

3 Practical Steps to Take If You Have Anxiety

If you’re unsure where to begin, these simple steps can help you move forward.

1. Talk to Someone You Trust

Start by opening up to someone close to you — a partner, friend, or family member.

Saying “I think I have anxiety” out loud can feel like a huge relief. It helps reduce the sense of isolation and gives you support as you begin to understand what you’re experiencing.

Having someone alongside you can also:

• Encourage you to seek help
• Support you through changes
• Celebrate your progress

2. Book an Appointment with Your GP

Your GP is a great starting point for professional support. They can:

• Talk with you about your symptoms
• Discuss treatment options
• Provide a Mental Health Care Plan (if applicable), which may give access to subsidised sessions with a psychologist

This step helps create a clear pathway forward and ensures you receive the right support.

3. See a Psychologist

Many people feel hesitant about seeing a psychologist. You might think, “I don’t need therapy” or worry about what it means.

In reality, anxiety is one of the most common reasons people seek psychological support. Seeing a psychologist is not about something being “wrong” with you — it’s about learning skills to feel better.

Through therapy, you can:

• Understand how anxiety works
• Learn how to respond differently to anxious thoughts
• Build confidence in managing symptoms
• Reduce the impact anxiety has on your daily life

Many people feel a sense of relief after their first session, simply from having a safe space to talk.

What Happens If You Do Nothing?

It’s easy to put things off, especially when anxiety already feels overwhelming. However, doing nothing often allows anxiety to grow stronger and more limiting over time.

Taking even one small step can make a meaningful difference. As the saying goes:
“If nothing changes, nothing changes.”

You Don’t Have to Manage Anxiety Alone

Support is available, and effective treatment can help you feel more in control again. Whether you start by talking to someone, seeing your GP, or booking a therapy session, each step moves you closer to feeling better.

Take the Next Step

👉 Download our free eBook: “Your 101 Guide to Visiting a Psychologist”

Inside, you’ll learn:

• How to find a psychologist
• What happens at your first session
• How referrals and Mental Health Care Plans work

This guide gives you everything you need to feel confident about getting started.

If you still need help, reach out to us at CBT Professionals, we will be more than happy to help!

Helensvale: (07) 5551 0251
Mount Gravatt: (07) 3102 1366
Nerang: (07) 5668 3490

Disclaimer: Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only and is not intended to replace advise from your doctor or registered health professional. Readers are urged to consult their registered practitioner for diagnosis and treatment for their medical concerns.