Your most googled questions about mental health in 2026

If you’ve ever typed a mental health question into Google at 11pm, you’re in good company. More Australians are searching for this kind of information than ever before, and here in Brisbane, anxiety, burnout, ADHD, and depression are among the most common things people are quietly looking up.

At Valentia Health, we think asking questions about your mental health is a really healthy thing to do. So we’ve pulled together the questions we see searched most often right now and answered them the way we would if you were sitting across from us.

1. “Am I anxious or is this normal?”

This one comes up constantly, and it’s worth taking seriously.

Some anxiety is a normal part of life. Nerves before a job interview or a difficult conversation are expected. But anxiety becomes a problem when it’s persistent, hard to control, and starts affecting how you live day to day, including your work, relationships, sleep, or sense of self.

Signs that anxiety might be worth talking to someone about:
•      Worry that feels constant and hard to switch off
•      Physical symptoms like a racing heart, tight chest, or difficulty sleeping
•      Avoiding situations, places, or people because they feel too overwhelming
•      Feeling irritable or on edge most of the time, even when nothing specific is wrong

If any of that sounds like you, please know you’re not broken. Anxiety is the most commonly reported mental health condition in Australia and it responds well to the right support. You don’t have to be in crisis to reach out.

2. “Why am I so tired all the time?” / “Is burnout real?”

Burnout is absolutely real, and we see it a lot in at Valentia Health.

If you’re exhausted no matter how much sleep you get, emotionally flat, or just going through the motions, burnout could be what’s going on. It tends to show up in people who’ve been pushing hard for a long time, including parents, carers, high-achievers, and anyone carrying more than their fair share without enough rest or support.

The key thing to understand is that burnout isn’t simply tiredness. It’s your body and mind signalling that something has to change. A psychologist can help you work out what’s driving it and figure out a more sustainable way forward.

3. “Do I have ADHD?” / “How do I get an ADHD assessment in Brisbane?”

ADHD assessments are one of our frequently requested services at our practice, and we completely understand why. A lot of people, particularly women and adults, spend years without understanding why things feel harder for them than they seem to be for others.

Some signs of ADHD in adults to look out for:
•      Difficulty getting started on tasks, or finishing them, even when you want to
•      Regularly losing things or missing appointments
•      Thoughts that jump around or feel hard to slow down
•      Emotions that shift quickly and feel difficult to manage
•      A long history of being told you’re not living up to your potential

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a personal failing. Getting a proper assessment can bring real clarity and open up access to the right kind of support.

4. “How do I know if I have depression?”

Depression is more than feeling sad. In fact, some people with depression don’t feel sad at all. It can show up as:
•      A persistent flatness or numbness
•      Losing interest in things that used to matter to you
•      Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels
•      Pulling away from people and activities
•      Difficulty concentrating, or a lot of negative self-talk

Depression can develop after a significant life event, build up gradually, or arrive without any obvious reason. Whatever the cause, it is treatable, and you don’t have to manage it on your own.

5. “Is therapy actually worth it? What happens in a session?”

Not knowing what to expect is one of the main things that stops people from booking. So here’s what we can tell you: a psychology session is a conversation, but one with real purpose and direction behind it.

In your first session with us, your psychologist will spend time getting to know you, what’s been going on, what you’d like to change, and what matters to you. You don’t need to arrive with everything figured out. From there, sessions might include:
•      Working with your thought patterns using the appropriate technique
•      Processing past experiences in a way that feels safe and manageable
•      Building practical tools for stress, emotions, or relationships
•      Understanding how your brain works, particularly if neurodiversity is part of the picture

Therapy is not about being told what to do. It’s about having someone genuinely skilled in your corner while you do the work.

6. “How do I get a Mental Health Care Plan in Brisbane?”

A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a GP referral that gives you access to Medicare rebates for psychology sessions. Here’s the process:
1.    Book a longer appointment with your GP and let them know you’d like to discuss your mental health.
2.   Your GP will assess your needs and, if appropriate, write up a Mental Health Care Plan and a referral.
3.  You’ll be referred to a psychologist (like one of our team at Valentia Health), with Medicare covering part of the cost for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year.

We’re registered under the Better Access scheme and are happy to walk you through the process if you’re not sure where to start.

7. “Where can I find a psychologist near me in Brisbane?”

Finding someone you feel comfortable with makes a real difference. At Valentia Health, we’re a neurodiverse-informed practice based in Taringa, close to Indooroopilly, Toowong, and Auchenflower. We work with children from age 6, teenagers, adults, couples, and families, and we provide support for:
•      Anxiety and panic
•      Depression and mood concerns
•      ADHD assessments and ongoing support
•      Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
•      Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
•      Trauma and PTSD
•      Personality complexities
•      Addiction
•      Menopause/perimenopause
•      Grief
•      Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Both in-person and telehealth sessions are available, so wherever you are in Australia, we can work with you.

Ready to take the next step?

Searching for answers is a good start. If you’re ready to talk to someone, we’d love to hear from you.

Valentia Health | Taringa, Brisbane

📞 Give us a call

✉️ Prefer email? Use our contact form at valentiahealth.com.au

💻 Telehealth available across Australia

You don’t need to have everything sorted before you get in touch. That’s kind of the whole point.

This blog post is for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional psychological assessment or treatment. If you are in crisis, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or call 000.