About anxiety
Anxiety becomes a problem when worry, tension or panic are frequent, hard to control and start to limit daily life. Psychological therapy, especially cognitive-behavioural approaches, has strong evidence for anxiety disorders. A first session usually explores what triggers the anxiety, how it shows up in the body and thoughts, and what goals you want to work on.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors specialised in mental health. They diagnose, prescribe and monitor medication and may also provide psychotherapy. They are usually the first choice when medication may be needed or symptoms are severe.
Getting mental health care in Christmas Island
Public health system · Indian Ocean Territories Health Service (IOTHS)
The Australian Government funds and runs the Indian Ocean Territories Health Service, which provides primary care, community health, inpatient and emergency care and telehealth on Christmas Island. Specialist mental health care is generally accessed by telehealth or referral to Western Australia.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Medical Board of Australia (Ahpra). Psychiatrists must be registered with Ahpra as medical practitioners with specialist registration in psychiatry. Search the official register
Online therapy in Christmas Island
Telehealth sessions are provided by practitioners in mainland Australia; they must hold Ahpra registration, which is valid nationally.
Urgent help in Christmas Island
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 000 · Triple Zero (000)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: ahpra.gov.au
Signs to look out for
Some anxiety is normal before an exam or a difficult conversation. It becomes worth looking at when worry feels constant and hard to switch off, when you avoid places or situations because of it, or when you notice frequent physical symptoms such as a racing heart, tight chest, dizziness, stomach upset or poor sleep. Sudden waves of intense fear, called panic attacks, are another common sign.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has the strongest evidence for most anxiety problems, often including gradual exposure to feared situations. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based approaches can also help. Psychologists, clinical psychologists and psychotherapists usually lead treatment. A psychiatrist or family doctor may assess whether medication could be useful alongside therapy, especially when anxiety is severe or long-lasting.
When to seek urgent help
Seek medical help promptly if you have chest pain, shortness of breath or symptoms you have never had before, as these should be checked to rule out a physical cause. If anxiety comes with thoughts of ending your life or harming yourself, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department straight away. You do not have to wait for an appointment.
What you can do in the meantime
While you look for support, try to keep regular sleep and meal times, move your body most days, and cut down on caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen anxiety. Slow breathing can help during peaks. Avoiding feared situations brings relief now but tends to make anxiety grow, so small, gradual steps are better. Talk to someone you trust and rely on trustworthy health sources.
What does a psychiatrist do?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who assesses mental health problems from a medical point of view. Day to day they carry out diagnostic interviews, rule out physical causes, decide whether medication could help, prescribe it and monitor its effects and side effects. Many also offer psychotherapy or work alongside psychologists. They see adults, older people and, if specialised, children and adolescents.
When to see a psychiatrist
Consider a psychiatrist when symptoms are intense or long-lasting, when therapy alone has not been enough, when you are already taking psychiatric medication, or when there are experiences such as severe mood swings, hearing or seeing things others do not, or very disturbed sleep. If what you mainly need is talking therapy for everyday difficulties, a psychologist or psychotherapist may fit better.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Christmas Island cover psychological care?
The Australian Government funds and runs the Indian Ocean Territories Health Service, which provides primary care, community health, inpatient and emergency care and telehealth on Christmas Island. Specialist mental health care is generally accessed by telehealth or referral to Western Australia.
How do I check that a psychiatrist is licensed in Christmas Island?
Medical Board of Australia (Ahpra): Psychiatrists must be registered with Ahpra as medical practitioners with specialist registration in psychiatry.
Can I have online therapy in Christmas Island?
Telehealth sessions are provided by practitioners in mainland Australia; they must hold Ahpra registration, which is valid nationally.