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Conditions
Anxiety
A mental health condition involving excessive worry, nervousness, and physical symptoms. Can significantly impact daily life and work performance.
Get support today
From $24.95 · No appointment needed
6 min
avg cert turnaround
13 min
avg doctor review
2
days a week
30%
refund if declined
Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofAnxiety
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Excessive worry or fear
Restlessness or feeling on edge
Difficulty concentrating
Sleep problems
Rapid heartbeat
Sweating or trembling
Fatigue
Muscle tension
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Medical certificates for mental health days
- Initial assessment and support
- Discussion of management strategies
- Referrals to mental health professionals
What needs in-person care
- Ongoing psychological therapy
- Crisis intervention
- Assessment for severe or complex mental health conditions
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Anxiety interfering with daily activities
- 2Physical symptoms like chest pain or breathlessness
- 3Difficulty sleeping due to worry
- 4Avoiding situations due to anxiety
- 5You need a mental health day
Seek emergency care if
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Severe panic attack with chest pain
- Unable to function at all
- Feeling completely out of control
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonAnxiety
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia, and it is significantly under-treated. When someone requests a mental health day certificate, I take that seriously - anxiety is not a character flaw or a lack of willpower. It is a medical condition involving changes in brain chemistry that produce real physical symptoms: racing heart, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, nausea, and insomnia. What I look for in a telehealth assessment is whether the anxiety is situational (a stressful period at work, a life event) or whether it represents a pattern that would benefit from ongoing support. For many people, a medical certificate acknowledging their need for rest is the first step toward getting help. I routinely recommend a Mental Health Care Plan through their regular GP, which provides 10 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions per year - something many Australians do not realise they are entitled to.
Treatment
TreatingAnxiety
Anxiety treatment combines psychological therapy (CBT is first-line) with medication for moderate-to-severe cases. SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed medications for generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and panic disorder. A Mental Health Care Plan from your GP provides 10 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions per year.
Sertraline
Zoloft
Class:Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Typical dose:50-200mg once daily
PBS:PBS listed for generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD
- First-line medication for most anxiety disorders in Australia
- Takes 2-4 weeks to start working, full effect at 6-8 weeks
- Common initial side effects (nausea, restlessness) usually settle within 1-2 weeks
- Should not be stopped suddenly - requires gradual dose reduction
Escitalopram
Lexapro, Esipram
Class:Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Typical dose:10-20mg once daily
PBS:PBS listed for generalised anxiety disorder and major depression
- Well-tolerated SSRI with fewer drug interactions
- Often preferred for elderly patients due to safety profile
- May have slightly faster onset than other SSRIs
- Generally weight-neutral compared to other antidepressants
Venlafaxine
Efexor XR
Class:Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)
Typical dose:75-225mg once daily (extended-release)
PBS:PBS listed for generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, major depression
- Second-line option when SSRIs are insufficient
- Dual mechanism (serotonin + norepinephrine) at higher doses
- Requires blood pressure monitoring at higher doses
- Must be tapered slowly when discontinuing - withdrawal symptoms can be significant
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines - Psychotropic, 2024. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Referral to a psychiatrist is recommended if anxiety does not respond to two adequate medication trials, if there are complex comorbidities (e.g. bipolar disorder, substance use), or for treatment-resistant cases requiring augmentation strategies.
Anxiety in Australia
Anxiety affects 1 in 4 Australians at some point in their lives (Beyond Blue)
Only 27% of Australians with anxiety access professional treatment
Anxiety disorders cost the Australian economy $12.7 billion per year in lost productivity and healthcare
Mental Health Care Plans provide up to 10 Medicare-rebated psychology sessions per calendar year
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
Acute anxiety episodes may resolve within hours to days. Generalised anxiety disorder is an ongoing condition, but most people see significant improvement within 6-12 weeks of starting treatment (therapy, medication, or both).
Return to work
For a mental health day, most people return the following day. For more severe anxiety, a gradual return with reduced hours or modified duties may be appropriate. Your employer cannot ask you to disclose the specific nature of your condition - a medical certificate saying 'medical condition' is sufficient.
When to reassess
Seek immediate help via Lifeline (13 11 14) or emergency services if you are having thoughts of self-harm. Otherwise, see your GP if anxiety is persistent (most days for more than 2 weeks), worsening, or preventing you from doing things you normally would.
Self-Care
ManagingAnxietyathome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
Regular physical exercise is one of the most effective anxiety treatments - even a 20-minute walk helps
Reduce caffeine and alcohol - both can worsen anxiety symptoms significantly
Practice slow breathing: breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, out for 6. Repeat 5 times
Maintain a regular sleep routine - go to bed and wake up at the same time each day
Limit news and social media consumption during anxious periods
Talk to someone you trust - isolation tends to amplify anxious thoughts
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutAnxiety
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
Yes. Mental health is just as valid a reason for a medical certificate as physical illness. Our doctors take anxiety seriously and can provide certificates when needed.
While everyone worries sometimes, anxiety disorder involves excessive worry that's difficult to control and interferes with daily life for an extended period.
Treatment typically includes psychological therapies (like CBT), lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication. The best approach depends on severity and personal preference.
Strategies include regular exercise, adequate sleep, limiting caffeine and alcohol, breathing exercises, and mindfulness. Professional support can teach you more techniques.
Ready to get help with Anxiety?
Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
Full refund if the doctor declines.