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OUR GP — Dundee · Mental Health

Anxiety and Depression:
Help & Treatment

Struggling with worry, low mood or panic? Get clear, NICE-based advice on anxiety and depression — symptoms, self-help and treatment — and confidential support from a GP when you need it.

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ConfidentialNICE-based careSame-day GPTalking therapy referral

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Need help now?Symptoms of anxiety & depressionWhen to see a GPSelf-help that worksTreatment optionsAntidepressants explainedFAQs
Confidential consultations
Same-day GP appointments
Care based on NICE guidance
Referral to talking therapies

Need help now?

If you feel you might act on thoughts of suicide or self-harm, get help straight away — you don’t need to wait for an appointment.

EmergencyIn immediate danger, or have harmed yourself999
NHS 24Mental health option · 24/7111
SamaritansFree to call · 24/7116 123
ShoutText SHOUT · 24/785258
Breathing SpaceEvenings · 24h at weekends0800 83 85 87
Recognising the signs

Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are common, treatable conditions — and they often happen together.

Everyone feels worried or low sometimes. But when anxiety and depression last for weeks, feel hard to control and start to affect your sleep, work or relationships, it’s time to get help. Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) affects around 4 to 8% of people seen in general practice, yet fewer than half seek treatment.

Anxiety: how it feels

Excessive worry about everyday things that’s hard to control, feeling restless or on edge, irritability, poor concentration and a sense of dread.

Anxiety: physical signs

Muscle tension, tiredness, trouble sleeping, a racing heart, sweating or feeling sick. Some people have sudden panic attacks.

Depression: core signs

Persistent low mood and losing interest or enjoyment in things you used to like — most of the day, nearly every day.

Depression: other signs

Poor sleep or sleeping too much, changes in appetite or weight, low energy, feeling worthless or guilty, slowed thinking or agitation.

Anxiety (GAD)Depression
Main feelingWorry, fear, feeling on edgeLow mood, emptiness, loss of interest
How longMost days for at least 6 monthsMost of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks
BodyTension, restlessness, racing heart, poor sleepFatigue, sleep and appetite changes, slowed down
ThinkingExpecting the worst, can’t switch offNegative thoughts, guilt, poor concentration
GP questionnaireGAD-7PHQ-9
4–8%have GAD

Anxiety and depression are among the most common reasons people see a GP. You’re not alone.

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Common signs to look out for

  • Constant worry you can’t switch off
  • Low mood most days
  • Losing interest in things you enjoy
  • Poor sleep or exhaustion
  • Avoiding people or situations
  • Using alcohol to cope
Getting help

When to See a GP About Anxiety or Depression

Talking to a GP is the first step to feeling better.

Book an appointment if your symptoms have lasted more than 2 weeks, keep coming back, or are making everyday life hard. You can also see a GP if you are worried about a family member. Here’s what to expect when you speak to us.

1

We listen

Your GP will ask how you’ve been feeling, how long it has been going on, and how it affects your sleep, work and relationships. Everything you share is confidential.

2

Short questionnaires

You may fill in the GAD-7 (anxiety) or PHQ-9 (depression) questionnaires. These help measure how severe things are and track your progress.

3

Rule out physical causes

Some physical problems can cause similar symptoms, so your GP may suggest blood tests, such as thyroid function, full blood count and vitamin B12.

4

Agree a plan together

Depending on your symptoms and wishes, this may include self-help, a talking therapy, medication, or a combination.

5

Regular reviews

We arrange follow-up to check how you’re doing, adjust treatment if needed and help prevent relapse.

2 weeksor more

If low mood or worry has lasted 2 weeks or more, book a confidential GP appointment.

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See a GP if you notice

  • Symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks
  • Struggling to work or look after yourself
  • Panic attacks
  • Drinking more to cope
  • Thoughts of self-harm (seek urgent help)
What you can do

Self-Help for Anxiety and Depression

Small, regular steps can make a real difference to anxiety and low mood.

Self-help works best alongside support from a GP or therapist, and it can help with mild to moderate symptoms. Try one or two of these to start with, and build up gradually.

Improve your sleep

Go to bed and get up at the same times each day, and get out of bed if you can’t sleep. Read our insomnia and sleep guide.

Stay active

Regular exercise improves anxiety and mood. Group exercise is one of the recommended treatments for less severe depression.

Cut caffeine and alcohol

Avoid caffeine after 3pm and alcohol in the evening. Alcohol may feel like it helps, but it makes anxiety and low mood worse.

Try CBT-based self-help

Guided self-help books and online courses based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) teach skills to manage worry and low mood.

Free self-referral in Scotland: if you are 16 or over, Living Life offers free phone-based CBT support from NHS 24. Call 0800 328 9655 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm).

Herbal and over-the-counter remedies

Products such as St John’s wort can interact with other medicines, and there is little evidence that they are safe or effective. Check with a GP or pharmacist first.

Step 1self-help

Many people improve with self-help and support. If you don’t, there are effective treatments.

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Daily habits that help

  • Keep a regular sleep routine
  • Get outside and move every day
  • Stay in touch with people
  • Plan small, enjoyable activities
  • Write worries down at a set time
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine
Treatment options

Treatment for Anxiety and Depression

NICE recommends a step-by-step approach, matched to how severe your symptoms are.

Treatment for anxiety and depression depends on your symptoms and what you prefer. Most people are treated by their GP, and some are referred for specialist support. If one treatment doesn’t help, there are always other options to try.

OptionWhat it involvesUsually for
Active monitoringInformation about your condition and regular check-ins with your GPMild symptoms that may improve on their own
Guided self-helpCBT-based books or online programmes, supported by a practitioner, over about 6 weeksMild to moderate anxiety or depression
Group coursesPsychoeducation or group exercise sessions led by trained staffMild to moderate symptoms
Talking therapiesCBT, applied relaxation (anxiety), behavioural activation or counselling (depression) — usually 12 to 16 sessionsModerate symptoms, or if self-help hasn’t worked
MedicationUsually an SSRI antidepressant, sometimes combined with therapyModerate to severe symptoms, or by preference
Specialist referralAssessment by mental health servicesSevere or complex symptoms, or high risk of self-harm

If you have both anxiety and depression, your GP will usually treat whichever is affecting you most first. For complex cases, specialist mental health services can help.

12–16therapy sessions

Talking therapies such as CBT usually take 12 to 16 weekly sessions. Ask us about local referral.

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Talking therapies explained

  • CBT — changing unhelpful thoughts and habits
  • Applied relaxation — for anxiety
  • Behavioural activation — for depression
  • Counselling — talking things through
  • Group courses — learn alongside others
Medication

Antidepressants: What You Need to Know

Antidepressants such as SSRIs are used for both anxiety and depression.

Medication isn’t right for everyone, but it can be very effective. Your GP will talk through the benefits, side effects and how long you might take it, so you can decide together.

  • SSRIs, such as sertraline, are usually tried first for anxiety and depression
  • They take time: some benefit may show within 1 to 2 weeks, and most people notice more improvement over 4 to 6 weeks
  • Early side effects can include feeling more anxious, agitated or having trouble sleeping — these usually settle
  • If you are under 30, your GP should review you within 1 week of starting
  • Keep taking them as prescribed, usually for at least 6 months to a year after you feel better, to reduce the risk of relapse
  • Don’t stop suddenly — your GP will help you reduce the dose gradually
  • Benzodiazepines (like diazepam) are not recommended for long-term anxiety treatment
  • Tell your GP about any thoughts of self-harm, especially when starting or changing medication
6 wksto full effect

Most people need several weeks to feel the full benefit. We’ll review you regularly.

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Questions to ask your GP

  • Which medicine is best for me?
  • What side effects might I get?
  • How long will I need to take it?
  • Can I combine it with therapy?
  • How do I stop safely later?
Your questions

Anxiety and Depression FAQs

Common questions about getting help with anxiety and depression.

Click a question to see the answer. If your question isn’t here, call us or book a confidential GP appointment.

Understanding anxiety and depression

Anxiety mainly involves worry and fear that is hard to control, while depression mainly involves low mood and losing interest in things. Many people have symptoms of both. A GP can assess your symptoms using short questionnaires (GAD-7 and PHQ-9) and help you understand what’s going on.
Yes — it’s very common. When both are present, your GP will usually treat the one that’s affecting you most first, and many treatments, such as CBT and SSRIs, help both.
Yes. Anxiety can cause muscle tension, headaches, a racing heart, sweating, stomach upset, tiredness and poor sleep. Your GP may suggest tests to rule out physical causes such as thyroid problems.
Mild symptoms sometimes improve with time and self-help, but anxiety and depression often last longer or come back without treatment. Getting help early usually means a faster recovery.

Getting help from OUR GP

Yes. A GP can assess your symptoms, check for physical causes, discuss self-help, refer you for talking therapies and, if appropriate, prescribe medication. Book a GP consultation — same-day appointments are often available.
Some people notice a difference within 1 to 2 weeks, but it usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to feel the full effect. Your GP will review you regularly, and sooner if you are under 30.
Yes. If you are 16 or over, you can call Living Life on 0800 328 9655 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) for free phone-based CBT support. A GP can also refer you to local services.
Get help straight away. Call 999 if you are in immediate danger, call NHS 24 on 111 (mental health option) any time, or call Samaritans free on 116 123. You can also text SHOUT to 85258.

This page gives general information about anxiety and depression in adults and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Sources: NICE CKS: Generalized anxiety disorder, NICE CKS: Depression, BMJ Best Practice: Depression in adults and NHS Inform. Last reviewed October 2026.

GPsupport

Confidential support from our GPs in Dundee, often on the same day.

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We can help with

  • Assessing anxiety and depression
  • Physical health checks and blood tests
  • Talking therapy referrals
  • Starting and reviewing medication
  • Sick notes if you need time off

You don’t have to face it alone

Book a confidential GP appointment at OUR GP to talk about anxiety or depression and agree a plan that works for you.

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