Mental health
Talk to a GP about stress or burnout
You can talk to a HerDoc GP when stress feels difficult to manage or work-related exhaustion is affecting your health. The GP can ask about the pressures involved, how you are functioning and whether another health concern or form of support should be considered.
Can an online GP help with stress or burnout?
Yes. Stress can affect the body, mood, sleep, thinking and behaviour. Burnout specifically refers to chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed; it is an occupational phenomenon, not a medical condition. A GP can assess what you are experiencing without assuming one label explains everything.
What to talk through with the GP
Stress may relate to work, caring, relationships, finances, illness, study, major changes or several pressures at once. A few examples of what has changed can help the conversation.
These experiences can overlap with anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and physical conditions. A GP assessment can help identify what needs further attention without assuming burnout is the only explanation.
- exhaustion or feeling depleted
- irritability, worry, low mood or feeling detached
- trouble sleeping or waking unrefreshed
- headaches, muscle tension, digestive changes or a racing heart
- reduced concentration, motivation or effectiveness
- difficulty managing work, home responsibilities or self-care
Work can be part of the conversation
Talk through whether workload, hours, low control, inadequate support, conflict, bullying or another workplace issue is affecting you. The consultation can address health effects, but HerDoc does not provide employment or workplace-law advice.
If you also need a medical certificate, communicate the reason during intake and discuss it with the GP. The GP assesses each request and may issue, decline or redirect it; an outcome cannot be guaranteed.
When telehealth may not be suitable
- Symptoms needing physical examination
- Rapidly worsening symptoms
- A phone assessment that does not provide enough information
When to seek urgent care
If you or another person is in immediate danger or cannot stay safe, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department now. Chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, collapse or signs of stroke also need urgent medical assessment.
- Immediate danger or inability to stay safe
- Possible suicide or self-harm action
- Chest pain or severe breathing difficulty
- Collapse or signs of stroke
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 an online GP help with stress or burnout?
A GP can discuss the pressures you face, how they are affecting your health and what next steps may be needed. They may also consider whether anxiety, depression, a sleep disorder or a physical condition could be contributing.
Is burnout a medical diagnosis?
The World Health Organization classifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon, not a medical condition. A GP can still assess symptoms and their impact, including whether a recognised mental or physical health condition may be involved.
What is the difference between stress, anxiety and burnout?
Stress is a response to pressure, anxiety involves ongoing fear or worry, and burnout specifically relates to chronic workplace stress. They can overlap, and a person may use these words differently, so describe your actual experiences rather than relying on one label.
Can I discuss stress that is not caused by work?
Yes. Stress may be connected with caring, relationships, grief, finances, study, health, major change or several pressures at once. Talk through what is happening and how it affects you.
What signs suggest stress is becoming difficult to manage?
Possible signs include persistent overwhelm, irritability, withdrawal, reduced concentration, sleep disruption and difficulty completing usual tasks. Seek help when changes persist, worsen or interfere with wellbeing or daily life.
Can stress cause physical symptoms?
Stress can occur with headaches, muscle tension, digestive symptoms, tiredness, sweating or a racing heart. Because physical symptoms can have other causes, new or concerning symptoms should not automatically be attributed to stress.
Can stress affect sleep and concentration?
Yes. Stress can make it harder to switch off, fall asleep, stay asleep or focus during the day. Sleep loss can also make coping harder, so discuss the direction and timing of both changes.
What should I track before the appointment?
If practical, note the main pressures, symptom timing, sleep, physical changes and effect on work or home life. You do not need a perfect record; a few examples can help the conversation.
What will the GP ask about stress and daily life?
The GP may ask about causes, duration, mood, sleep, physical health, medicines, substance use, relationships, work and safety. They may also ask what support or changes you have already tried.
Can a GP help if work is contributing to my symptoms?
A GP can assess the health concerns you describe and discuss possible next steps. They cannot resolve a workplace dispute or provide employment-law advice, and other workplace or legal support may be needed.
Can I also discuss a medical certificate for stress?
Yes. Communicate the reason for the certificate during intake and discuss it with the GP. The GP decides case by case whether a certificate is warranted and may issue, decline or redirect the request.
Can the GP discuss treatment or practical support?
The GP can discuss options after assessing your circumstances, including whether follow-up or another service may help. No particular treatment, workplace adjustment or outcome is promised.
Can I ask about a referral to another mental-health professional?
Yes. A HerDoc GP can provide a referral when their assessment supports it, and HerDoc delivers the referral electronically. A referral is not automatic; the GP decides what to recommend.
What if stress continues or keeps returning?
Persistent or recurring stress deserves review, especially when it changes sleep, mood, physical health or daily functioning. The GP may recommend follow-up, in-person assessment or another service depending on what is found.
When do stress symptoms need urgent help?
Call 000 for a life-threatening medical emergency or when someone is in immediate danger. If you may act on thoughts of suicide or self-harm, cannot stay safe or are worried about another person's immediate safety, use emergency or crisis support now.