Mental health
Talk to a GP about stress or burnout
A HerDoc GP can help when stress, exhaustion or overload is affecting your health. You can discuss pressures at work, at home or in caring for others and work out what support to consider next.
Can an online GP help with stress or burnout?
Yes. A HerDoc GP can assess the health effects of stress or burnout-like experiences in a phone consultation. Talk through the pressures you face, how you are coping and what has become difficult. The GP can consider sleep, mood and physical health as well as the situation causing stress.
When stress starts affecting daily life
Stress is a response to pressure. When it persists or feels difficult to manage, you may notice poor sleep, irritability, tension, low energy or difficulty concentrating. Work, caring, relationships, finances and health can all contribute.
Describe what has changed in your ability to manage the day. You do not need to reach a crisis before seeking help, and physical symptoms should not simply be put down to stress.
What does burnout mean?
The World Health Organization uses burnout for the effects of prolonged workplace stress, including exhaustion, feeling detached from work and reduced effectiveness. It is an occupational phenomenon, not a separate medical condition.
People also use the word when they feel overwhelmed outside work. Whatever words you use, your symptoms deserve attention. The GP can consider anxiety, depression, sleep problems or physical health alongside the pressures you describe.
A few examples can help
Think about what is placing demands on you, what rest or support is available and what you have already tried. The GP may also ask about medicines, alcohol or other substances and your safety.
- The main pressures, when they increased and whether symptoms ease away from them.
- Changes in sleep, energy, mood, concentration or physical symptoms.
- Tasks at work or home that have become difficult, including caring responsibilities.
- Support you have, previous care and the change you most want help making.
Discuss support and a manageable next step
The GP can assess your health and discuss practical changes, treatment or referral options. You can ask which concern to address first and when to review how you are going. Persistent symptoms may need further assessment rather than being explained by workload alone.
If you also need a medical certificate, a HerDoc GP can assess that request. The certificate guide explains the documentation discussion; this appointment can also address your health and support needs. A workplace dispute or compensation process may need separate advice.
When telehealth may not be suitable
- Physical symptoms need an examination or other assessment.
- Severe distress or rapidly worsening symptoms need prompt local or crisis support.
When to seek urgent care
If you may act on thoughts of suicide or self-harm, cannot stay safe or someone is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department now. For suicidal thoughts or severe distress without immediate danger, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for support now. Call 000 for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, collapse or stroke signs. HerDoc is not an emergency or crisis service.
Ready to talk when HerDoc launches?
Join the waiting list for updates about access to HerDoc's online GP service. Do not use the waiting list for an urgent health or safety concern.
Related pages
FAQs
Can I discuss stress from caring or home life?
Yes. You can discuss caring, relationship, financial, study or health pressures as well as work. Describe their effect on your health and the support you have available.
Is burnout the same as depression?
No. Burnout refers to an occupational experience in the WHO classification, while depression is a mental-health condition requiring assessment. Symptoms can overlap, so the GP will consider your experiences rather than assume a label explains them.
What if a break has not helped?
Arrange a review if exhaustion, poor sleep or distress continues. Describe what changed during the break and what did not. The GP can look at other contributors and discuss further support.
Do I need to prove that work caused the problem?
You can discuss how work is affecting your health without establishing a workplace claim. Have examples of the pressures and symptoms handy. Employment disputes and compensation requirements involve a separate process.
What should I ask before the appointment ends?
Ask which next step to focus on, what support to arrange and when to follow up. If symptoms continue or worsen, seek further advice rather than waiting for a planned break or leave period to finish.