topic Awaiting on Appointment in Welcome and orientation

Awaiting on Appointment

steffimia — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 06:30:55 GMT

New to this forum. I live in North QLD and I am on a waiting list ( over 40 days now ) to see a pyschologist and also a psychiatrist. I am not coping at all ( not suicidal ) however the wait is unbeatable waking up crying every morning to face the day. Am I just able top present to a hospital and get help?

Awaiting on Appointment

Allay — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 09:16:04 GMT

Hi Steffimia.
I’m sorry you’re finding it hard to cope right now. I don’t have any advice for you, but wanted you to know you’ve been heard.

Awaiting on Appointment

Karen0901 — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 09:41:35 GMT

Yes, you can present to the hospital. If you are feeling unsafe, this is something you should do. Others may also mention it but there is a suicide call back service and Lifeline you can call.

Are you on any medication? Your GP can prescribe medication and this may help.

Awaiting on Appointment

GTL — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 10:18:40 GMT

Hi steffima. I'm new to the group too but have some knowledge to share. I was offered a bed quite recently because of a referral from a GP. Book into a GP (I know that even this is hard), get an extended consult and they have the training to know what path you should take.

Awaiting on Appointment

Croix — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 10:19:48 GMT

Dear Steffimia~

I'd like to join Allay in welcoming you here to the Forum. I think it could be a very good move as you will not be so alone facing this trial and can get ideas on that might help.

Although yoou have not mentioned in detail the difficulties you face there are some general things I might suggest. Waiting times are sadly all to common so taking action in the meantime to keep you occupied and maybe even improve things for you can be sensible.

Perhaps when you feel more confident you may wish to talk more about you circumstances so we can understand what you are facing.

The sorts of resources I'm thinking of includes on-line mental health care in the form of short courses, the best I know of is the government-sponsored free Mindspot Clinic

https://www.mindspot.org.au/

Here you get to do some tests, choose a course and then undertake it. Mindspot does provide clinical supervision and can liaise with your GP if you have one. Results tend to be positive.

Waiting is one of the things I dread and as a result I do try to plan for it. Sometimes this means having each day one thing I enjoy to do in the evening. This can be a book ,a TV show, a movie, walking a pet, or any one of umpteen things. They do not have to be large. I wonder what sorts of things you can think of that you might look forward to during the day?

Sometimes that sort of reward is not easy to concentrate on when one is feeling very down and preoccupied by thoughts you'd rather not have. To stop these - make a break - and get ready for the enjoyable item I use a free smartphone app called Smiling Mind

https://www.smilingmind.com.au/smiling-mind-app/

This takes some practice, as any worthwhile thing does, but is designed with exercises for everyone -even me and I'm difficult:) They leave me calm and not thinking in the way I did before, an excellent start to the enjoyable treat.

I wonder if you are having to face all this by yourself, or if there is anyone you can talk frankly with? Maybe a family member of friend? They do not have to try to 'fix' things, just listen and show they care. Being in isolation tends to make things harder.

If you ever feel you need to hear a voice you can ring our own 24/7 Help line on 1300 22 4636, or Lifeline on 13 11 14 (don't worry, you do not have to be suicidal to ring)

I hope you come back and talk some more, we do care

Croix