When anxiety hangs around, it can start to take over more than you realise. Maybe you wake already tense, maybe your mind keeps spinning over things that never used to bother you, or you feel uneasy in your own skin. Some people describe it as being constantly switched on, never able to rest properly. If you want to understand anxiety more, I recommend reading my Complete Guide to Anxiety.
If this has been going on for a while, it might be time to get some help. Not because you can’t cope, but because anxiety has a way of tightening its grip when it’s left to run unchecked. Getting the right support can make it much easier to breathe again, think clearly, and get back to living normally.
Recognising When You Need Help
Anxiety itself isn’t a sign that something is wrong — it’s part of how the brain keeps us safe. But when that system gets stuck in overdrive, you start to notice it in everyday life.
You might find yourself lying awake at night, feeling jumpy in your body, avoiding things you once did easily, or replaying conversations in your head for hours afterwards. Some people notice a tight chest, stomach upset, or dizziness. Others just say, “I feel on edge all the time.”
When it starts affecting your sleep, your focus, or how you show up in daily life, that’s usually the point where getting some outside help makes sense.
If you want to understand anxiety in more depth, you might find it helpful to read my main Anxiety Guide, where I explain what anxiety is, how it works in your brain and body, and how to choose the right treatment.
Talking to Your GP First
For most people in Ireland, the GP is the first place to start. It’s completely okay to tell your doctor you’ve been feeling anxious. You don’t need to have a label or a plan. Just describe what’s been happening.
A GP can check if anything physical might be adding to it — thyroid problems, side effects from medication, or sleep issues are common overlaps. They can also talk you through options for counselling, therapy, or medication if it’s needed.
If you hold a medical card, your GP can refer you to Counselling in Primary Care . If not, they can point you toward community services such as Aware.ie or private therapy if that suits you better.
Even just saying, “I’m finding it hard to switch off and it’s affecting my sleep,” is enough to get the conversation started.
Therapy Options in Ireland
There are a few main routes, and each has its place.
Private Therapy
Many people choose private therapy because it’s quicker to access and you can find someone who works specifically with anxiety. Therapy helps you understand what’s happening in your mind and body and gives you tools to calm the system down again.
Approaches like CBT, DBT, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can all help. If you’d like to read more about private options, you can look at my page where I explain all forms of anxiety counselling; that’s where I explain the types of therapy I offer and how they work.
HSE Services
If you’d rather go through the public route, your GP can refer you to local Primary Care Psychology or CIPC(Counselling in Primary Care, for medical card holders).
You can check waiting times and service details on the HSE mental health pages. Sessions are usually short-term, but they can be a good first step.
Community and Charity Supports
There are also Irish organisations offering free or low-cost help.
- Aware provides group programmes and a helpline for anxiety and low mood.
- Mental Health Ireland offers education and local wellbeing projects.
- Pieta and Samaritans can help if anxiety has tipped into distress or panic and you need to talk to someone urgently.
Medication and Psychiatry
Sometimes therapy is enough on its own. Other times, medication can help you steady things so that therapy works better.
If your GP thinks it’s worth considering, they might prescribe something themselves or refer you to a psychiatrist. Antidepressants are commonly used for anxiety, and your doctor will go through what to expect, possible side effects, and how long it usually takes to notice improvement.
It’s not an all-or-nothing decision. Medication can be used short-term to help your system reset while you work on the underlying causes.
Online and Phone Supports
You don’t have to wait for appointments to start doing something about anxiety. There are good Irish-based options you can use straight away:
- Aware Helpline: Freephone 1800 80 48 48
- HSE Online CBT Programme: Self-referral, free of charge.
- MyTherapist Courses: My own Retrain Your Brain for Anxiety course walks you through understanding anxiety, the brain’s role in it, and how to retrain your stress response over time
Costs and Finding a Therapist
Therapy fees vary depending on experience and location, generally from €60 to €150 per session. Some clinics or trainee therapists offer reduced rates.
If you have a medical card, the Counselling in Primary Care service is free. Charities and training clinics often run low-cost programmes too.
To find a qualified professional:
Taking the Next Step
Anxiety rarely disappears overnight, but it does respond to the right kind of help. The hardest part is often the first step — making that appointment or sending that message. Once you do, things can start to shift.
Support in Ireland is much broader now than it used to be. Whether you start with your GP, try a course, or book a private session, the important thing is that you begin. The process itself helps your system realise it doesn’t have to keep living in a constant state of alert.
