Grief and loss

Grief and loss are emotional responses to losing someone, something, or after an illness. Speak to an AHPRA-registered GP online in minutes for medical advice and a referral pathway to appropriate mental health support — available 24/7 across Australia.

Important: If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please reach out for immediate support:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
Emergency services: Call 000

You do not need to be in immediate danger to call. These services are free and confidential.

When to consult a doctor for grief and loss

If grief worsens or does not improve over time

Seek professional help if grief persists beyond several months, intensifies, or becomes harder to manage instead of easing gradually.

If grief disrupts daily functioning

Consult a doctor if emotional distress interferes with work, personal care, relationships, or everyday responsibilities.

If you experience thoughts of self-harm or hopelessness

Urgent medical support is needed if you have suicidal thoughts, feelings of hopelessness, or worthlessness.

This guide does not replace professional care. Consult a doctor to manage your symptoms. In emergencies, call 000. The content is research-backed & medically reviewed. by Dr. Ammar AL-ANI, MBChB, CCBST, AMC

Mental Health Care Plans for grief and loss

A Mental Health Care Plan can be arranged through an online consultation with a GP. During your appointment, the doctor will assess your emotional well-being and develop a personalised treatment plan.

Benefits

The benefits of a mental health care plan include convenient access to care, personalised treatment, and ongoing support, such as:

Convenient consultations: Speak to an AHPRA-registered GP from home
Reduced stigma: Access care privately and comfortably
Tailored support: Your GP will discuss your situation and develop a plan suited to your needs, if a Mental Health Care Plan is clinically appropriate.
Additional services: Additional support: Depending on your clinical needs, your GP may provide referrals to mental health professionals, and where clinically appropriate, other supports including prescriptions or medical certificates.
Bulk billing: Mental Health Care Plan consultations are 100% bulk-billed for eligible Medicare cardholders — Medicare card required.

Symptoms

The common symptoms of grief and loss vary from person to person and may affect both mind and body, including:

Emotional symptoms

Persistent sadness or crying

Anger, guilt, loneliness, or despair

Physical symptoms

Fatigue or low energy

Sleep disturbances

Appetite changes

Aches and pains

Cognitive symptoms

Confusion or disorientation

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Behavioural symptoms

Social withdrawal

Avoiding reminders of loss
Seeking excessive reassurance or support

Hola Health provides a convenient way to consult an AHPRA-registered doctor online, 24/7 across Australia.

Clinical note: A telehealth GP consultation can help assess your emotional wellbeing, arrange a Mental Health Care Plan if clinically appropriate, and provide referrals to psychologists, counsellors, or psychiatrists. Telehealth is a complementary service — it does not replace specialist mental health care. For complex grief, trauma, or persistent mental health concerns, ongoing in-person support from a mental health professional is recommended. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7) or call 000 immediately — do not wait for a telehealth appointment. We recommend sharing your consult summaries with your regular GP to ensure continuity of care.