How to Talk to Your Doctor About Anxiety

Anxiety can be overwhelming, affecting everything from your sleep to your relationships. Reaching out to a medical professional is a courageous and crucial step toward managing it. 

But for many, knowing how to talk to your doctor about anxiety is a major barrier. 

If you’re unsure how to begin or worried about what might happen, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your appointment.

The Importance of Talking to Your Doctor About Anxiety

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in the U.S. Unfortunately, many people suffer in silence because they’re afraid, embarrassed, or unsure how to ask for help. Talking to your doctor about anxiety is the first step in accessing effective treatment options such as therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Doctors are trained to address mental health just like they would any other health issue. If you’re asking yourself, “Should I talk to my doctor about anxiety?” the answer is yes. Waiting for the problem to go away on its own can prolong your suffering and make symptoms worse over time.

Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only a small percentage of those affected receive treatment. Many people are hesitant, asking themselves, “How do I talk to my doctor about anxiety?”. Perhaps you don’t know how to tell a doctor you have anxiety or how to talk to your doctor about panic attacks.

But you can rest assured. Here we explain how to talk to your doctor about mental health. Starting the conversation with your doctor opens the door to understanding what’s happening in your body and mind and finding ways to feel better. Remember, your mental health is part of your overall health.

7 Signs You Should Talk to Your Doctor About Anxiety

Recognizing when your anxiety requires professional attention can be difficult. Here are seven signs it’s time to talk to your doctor:

1. Your Anxiety Is Affecting Your Daily Life

If anxiety is making it difficult to focus at work, maintain your social life, or carry out routine tasks, it may have progressed into a disorder. Functional impairment is a key indicator that it’s time to seek help.

2. You’re Experiencing Physical Symptoms

Anxiety doesn’t just impact your mind; it can show up in your body as well. Chronic headaches, muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and trouble sleeping are all physical signs of underlying anxiety. If you’re constantly feeling unwell with no clear physical cause, anxiety could be the root.

3. Your Symptoms Have Persisted 

It’s normal to feel anxious from time to time, but if your symptoms are frequent, intense, and interfere with your daily life, you might be dealing with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or another anxiety-related condition.

4. You Experience Panic Attacks

Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear, often accompanied by physical symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If you’re experiencing these regularly, it’s essential to speak with a healthcare provider to determine a treatment plan.

5. You Avoid Certain Situations Due to Anxiety

Avoidance is a coping mechanism many people use to manage their anxiety, but it often reinforces and worsens the condition. If you’re skipping social events, avoiding travel, or staying home to escape anxiety triggers, it’s time to get help.

6. You Struggle with Concentration or Memory

Anxiety can interfere with your cognitive abilities, making it hard to focus, retain information, or make decisions. If these issues are becoming persistent, your anxiety might be interfering with your brain’s executive functions.

7. You Feel Constantly on Edge or Irritable

A chronic sense of dread, irritability, or being on high alert are common signs of anxiety. If you find it hard to relax or feel safe even in calm environments, professional support can help you regain a sense of balance.

What Happens When You Go to the Doctor for Anxiety?

You may wonder, “How to explain anxiety to a doctor?”, “What happens if I tell my doctor I have anxiety?” or “can a primary care doctor prescribe anxiety medication?” A typical appointment for anxiety begins with your doctor asking you about your symptoms, how long you’ve experienced them, and how they affect your day-to-day life. 

Don’t worry if you don’t know the right words to describe what you’re going through—your provider will guide the conversation.

They may use standardized questionnaires to assess your anxiety level, such as the GAD-7, or the PHQ-9, a depression screener, and ask about your personal and family medical history. Your doctor might also perform basic tests or screenings to rule out any physical health conditions that could be mimicking or contributing to your symptoms.

From there, your doctor may:

• Recommend lifestyle changes (like improving sleep, exercise, or diet)
• Suggest therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Prescribe medication (like SSRIs or anti-anxiety drugs)
• Refer you to a mental health specialist for more in-depth care

Importantly, anything you share is confidential unless you express thoughts of harming yourself or others.

How to Bring Up Anxiety to Your Doctor During Your Appointment

If you’re not sure how to tell your doctor you have anxiety and depression, or how to ask your doctor for anxiety medication, you’re not alone. Many people worry they won’t be taken seriously or that their concerns will be brushed aside. 

To start the conversation, be clear and direct. Here are a few examples of how to describe anxiety to a doctor:

• “I’ve been feeling anxious almost every day, and I think it’s affecting my health.”
• “I have trouble sleeping and concentrating because of constant worry.”
• “I’m feeling both anxious and depressed, and I’m not sure what to do about it.”

Even if it feels awkward, bringing it up early in the appointment ensures it gets the attention it deserves. You don’t have to have all the answers. Simply expressing that you’re struggling is enough to start.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Anxiety and Depression: 7 Practical Tips

Knowing what to tell a doctor about anxiety and depression can seem overwhelming. Here are some tips on how to talk about anxiety with your doctor and help you get the most out of your appointment.

1. Be Specific About Your Symptoms

Before your appointment, you’re likely to be asking yourself, “How do I explain my anxiety to my doctor?” Instead of saying “I feel anxious,” describe what that anxiety looks like. For example: “I get a tight feeling in my chest, and I can’t stop thinking about worst-case scenarios.” 

Providing detailed examples helps your doctor assess the severity and type of anxiety you’re experiencing.

2. Track Your Symptoms Before the Appointment

Keep a journal for a week or two before your visit. Note when you feel anxious, what triggers it, and how long it lasts. This record gives your doctor a clearer picture of your experience and can be helpful if you get nervous during the appointment.

3. Don’t Downplay Your Feelings

It’s tempting to minimize your symptoms to avoid feeling judged, but being honest is key. Say, “I’ve been having trouble getting out of bed and I feel overwhelmed all the time,” even if it feels uncomfortable to admit.

4. Bring Someone You Trust for Support

Having a supportive person with you can help ease your nerves. They can remind you of things you wanted to mention and provide emotional support during the appointment.

5. Be Open to Discussing Past Experiences

If you’ve had previous mental health issues, share them. This includes past therapy, medications, or traumatic events. It gives your doctor context and helps tailor a better treatment plan.

6. Ask Questions and Express Concerns

Don’t hesitate to ask, “What kind of therapy would you recommend?” or “Are there side effects with this medication?” Asking questions helps you feel more involved and informed in your care.

7. Follow Up and Stay Engaged

Anxiety doesn’t always improve immediately. If something isn’t working, let your doctor know. Ongoing communication ensures you’re getting the best care for your evolving needs.

Need Professional Help for Anxiety?

Sometimes a primary care visit is just the beginning. If you’re struggling with ongoing anxiety, Brightside Health offers personalized, evidence-based care including therapy, medication management, and self-guided tools. 

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing anxiety for years, expert help is just a click away.

Take our anxiety test to understand your symptoms better and see how Brightside can support you.

How to Talk to a Doctor About Anxiety: Key Takeaways

Talking to your doctor about anxiety can feel intimidating, but it’s a vital step toward feeling better. 

By preparing ahead of your appointment, being honest about your symptoms, and asking the right questions, you can build a strong foundation for effective care. 

Remember, anxiety is treatable, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. With the right help, you can manage your symptoms and regain control of your life.

FAQs

What to say to a psychiatrist about anxiety?

If you’re wondering how to talk to a psychiatrist about anxiety, start by describing your symptoms clearly, including how they affect your life. You can say, “I’ve been experiencing panic attacks and constant worry, and it’s making it hard to function.”

I’m scared to tell my doctor I’m depressed. What should I do?

You’re not alone in feeling scared. Try writing down what you want to say and sharing that note during your visit. Remember, doctors are trained to support mental health, and everything you say is confidential.

Is talking with doctors about anxiety confidential?

Yes, your discussions are confidential. If there are immediate concerns about your safety, your doctor would work with you and possibly others to help keep you safe.

What questions should I ask my doctor about anxiety?

Ask about types of therapy, potential medications, side effects, lifestyle changes, and how to monitor progress. Don’t hesitate to ask for a referral to a specialist if needed.

What questions will my doctor ask about my anxiety?

Expect questions about your symptoms, when they started, how they affect your daily life, if there are any known triggers, and whether you have a history of anxiety or depression.

What will my doctor do about my anxiety?

They may recommend therapy, prescribe medication, suggest lifestyle changes, or refer you to a mental health professional. Your treatment will depend on your specific symptoms and needs.