Fatigue Treatment

Consult an AHPRA-registered online doctor if you are suffering from fatigue and seek medical advice within 15 minutes, 24/7.

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This guide does not replace professional care. In emergencies, call 000 or visit a hospital immediately.

About fatigue

Fatigue is a common yet often overlooked issue that affects many Australians at different points in their lives. It’s more than just feeling tired, fatigue is a persistent sense of physical and mental exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest. People experiencing fatigue often describe it as a constant lack of energy, motivation, and focus, making it difficult to manage daily activities. While occasional tiredness is normal, ongoing or severe fatigue can indicate an underlying issue. It may be triggered by factors like poor sleep, excessive stress, an unbalanced diet, or medical conditions such as anaemia, thyroid problems, depression, or chronic fatigue syndrome. Lifestyle habits like irregular sleep patterns, overworking, or lack of physical activity can also contribute. In most cases, simple changes in daily routines can help, but if fatigue persists, it’s important to check in with a GP to identify and address any potential underlying causes.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ammar AL-ANI, MBChB, CCBST, AMC

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If the feeling of constant exhaustion or fatigue continues for two weeks or more, it is important to seek medical attention. Disrupting daily activities could also be a good indicator that you might need medical advice. Consult a doctor when:

  • Persistent fatigue: If your fatigue lasts more than 2 weeks
  • Underlying health conditions: If you have any chronic illnesses or underlying health conditions
  • Mental health issues: If your fatigue is leading to any mental health concerns or if you have any pre-existing mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, chronic stress and more
  • Worsens over time: If you don’t see any improvement with self-care and if the symptoms tend to get worse

Here are some common causes of fatigue:

  • Lack of sleep, insomnia or sleep apnoea
  • Physical exertion or inadequate recovery time after overexertion
  • Emotional and mental stress
  • Poor nutrition and vitamin deficiencies
  • Dehydration
  • Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disorders, and chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Certain medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications
  • Excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Conditions like depression and anxiety
  • Physical conditions such as anaemia, viral infections, fevers etc.

Fatigue can have physical, emotional and mental symptoms. It can lead to many issues in daily life, work or in relationships. Most people suffering from fatigue experience at least a few of the symptoms below:

  • Constant exhaustion: A constant feeling of lack of energy, even after adequate rest.
  • Trouble concentrating: Difficulty focusing, or remembering things, often described as “brain fog.”
  • Irritability: Feelings of frustration and irritability even during the slightest change in the situation
  • Lack of motivation: No interest in activities or tasks that once brought joy
  • Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing unrefreshing sleep
  • Muscle weakness: Reduced strength, making physical tasks feel more challenging.
  • Headaches: Frequent headaches or migraines which are often linked to tension or stress.
  • Changes in appetite: Either overeating or loss of appetite.
  • Mood changes: Increased feelings of anxiety or depression
  • Physical symptoms: Body aches, joint pain, gastrointestinal issues and a general feeling of illness

Differentiating between normal tiredness and fatigue involves understanding the severity and impact on daily life. Normal tiredness usually resolves with adequate rest whereas fatigue is persistent, overwhelming, and often accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty concentrating or a lack of motivation.

As there is no single tiredness test, to pinpoint the underlying cause of fatigue, medical practitioners use a combination of methods such as blood tests, imaging tests, and sleep monitoring for conditions such as sleep apnoea.

Self-care is essential for managing fatigue, especially for people who often face high stress levels. Engaging in self-care practices can help restore energy and improve overall well-being. This includes prioritising adequate rest, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and incorporating regular physical activity into your routine.

Additionally, mindfulness techniques such as meditation or yoga can alleviate stress and promote relaxation, further combating fatigue. Self-care for professionals is important for managing stress daily, so it does not lead to fatigue.

Online doctors are licensed medical practitioners available through telehealth platforms. You can discuss your symptoms and get medical advice from doctors online if the GP near you is not available. A medical practitioner online can assess your symptoms, give medical advice, prescribe medications through online prescriptions, and issue specialist referrals, blood test referrals and online referrals for imaging tests.

An online medical certificate for fatigue is a convenient option for individuals who need it for work or other purposes without visiting a clinic in person. Telehealth allows you to get medical certificates online with just a few clicks. If an online doctor determines that your fatigue warrants a medical certificate, they will issue a doctor’s certificate online.

This certificate can then be sent electronically, allowing you to submit it to your employer or relevant authority without the hassle of a physical appointment.

Telehealth in Australia helps you speak to an online doctor regarding your medical condition and getting an instant script online if necessary. To get a script online, here’s a step-by-step guide:

  • Click on online scripts in Hola Health website or app
  • Click on request an instant script and choose the type of script you need
  • Fill in your details and make payment.
  • A registered doctor will review your request over an instant consult and discuss your symptoms, medical history, and treatment options.
  • If the doctor deems it necessary, they will issue an online prescription via SMS within minutes.

Hola Health is a trusted telehealth service in Australia offering telehealth consultations with AHPRA-accredited medical practitioners, online medical certificates, instant scripts online, online referrals, mental health care plans and after-hours doctor consultations . Here are some telehealth services by Hola Health:

Instantly connect to a registered practitioner within 15 minutes from anywhere in Australia, 24/7 for:

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  • General consults
  • New & repeat scripts
  • Referrals
  • Medical certificates
  • Mental health plans

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