Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear. It can range from mild to severe and have a huge impact on your life day to day.
Everyone get feelings of anxiety at times in their life, e.g. anxious about exams or interviews - during these feeling anxious can be perfectly normal. Some people find it hard to control their worries and the feelings of anxiety are more constant and can often affect their daily life.
Although feelings of anxiety at certain times are completely normal, you should see your GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life or is causing you distress.
Your GP will ask you about your symptoms and your worries, fears and emotions to try to find out if you could have GAD.
Several different treatments are available that can help ease your symptoms. These include psychological therapy– such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), medication – such as a type of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Other things you can do to help reduce anxiety, such as going on a self-help course, exercising regularly, stopping smoking and cutting down on the amount of alcohol and caffeine you drink.
With treatment, many people are able to control their levels of anxiety. However, some treatments may need to be continued for a long time and there may be periods where your symptoms worsen.
Book an appointment for a video consultation with a qualified New Zealand GP, who can discuss all this with you. If appropriate, we can arrange for the medications to be precsribed and delivered to you.