topic Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions in Treatments, health professionals and therapies

Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions

Guest_4643 — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 07:26:21 GMT

Hi everyone, my name's Tayla and I'm 20. Relatively new to these forums. I would really appreciate if someone can please help me and give me some suggestions/advice.

I have a Psychiatrist that I'm very thankful for, he's wonderful and everything I want in a therapist. He helps me and it makes me feel a bit better and sometimes a little happier and reassured while I see him. I do this through Telehealth because I'm in Regional Victoria and he's a 6 hour drive away in Sydney, so I've never met him face to face although it's pretty much the same thing. I would like to try and meet him in person some day though, but we'll see.

However, sometimes it can be a while in between sessions because I understand his busy schedule, he also has other commitments other than his Psychiatry work. But in saying that he does his job well and does what he says. So I find it really hard to cope until I see him again.

I see my GP also but I don't find her that helpful, personally. She's nice yes but not like my Psychiatrist.

I do come on websites like this, Lifeline, etc. to do web chats, and that's why I joined these forums.

I walk daily. I colour in and play a free colour by numbers app on my iPad called Happy Colour. Sometimes I'll read or write, or watch TV or movies, depending on if I'm in the mood. Other than that I don't have much to do.

Yes I have supportive parents and it's just them, my dog and I, I have no siblings, friends or other family members. I've tried so hard to join groups, get jobs, study, anything, and I'm always discriminated against (I don't know why), even by the local triage and local Headspace Centre. So I'm out of options and quite hurt. So basically I can't get any of those.

Please help and please reply. I really wish I could contact my Psychiatrist in between sessions but I'm not sure if that's allowed and how I can.

Thanks,

Tayla.

Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions

blondguy — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 11:35:59 GMT

Hi Tayla

Great to have you as part of the Beyond Blue forum family! I understand your situation as I also used to require additional help from my psychiatrist too inbetween visits without success thus the need for a proactive GP

You are very proactive with your health and having the determination to heal...This is a huge step towards recovery and good on you Tayla

I know you mentioned that your GP is nice yet not really working for you. Can I ask if your GP knows exactly what your history is?

This is my 23rd year seeing my GP for a 'fine tune' every couple of months and it works well after having the same difficulty seeing my psychiatrist. I did change GP's a couple of times before I found one with a strong mental health focus.

Face to face counselling can sometimes be difficult (with any GP) yet its important to have a supportive doctor than we can rely on

The forums are a safe and non judgemental place for you to post Tayla 🙂

There are many super kind members that can be here for you too

my kind thoughts

Paul

Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions

Matchy69 — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 11:53:29 GMT

Hi Tayla.I just read your post you sound like an amazing young person and doing everything you can to make yourself better.I wonder if you can try and see a different GP maby one that you feel is better with your mental health.It can be just trial and error with GP.The last two GPs i have have been great but unfortunately my current is away on leave at the moment and i havent found one that i have been happy with since shes been on lesve.She comes back at the end of march.If you feel like you need to talk to your phychiritis maby ask if it is possible between sessions and if their is an alternative thing you can do.I dont know what other mental health services their is in your area.I live in a small country town and their isnt any close by for me.This sight is great if you just need to chat.

Take care,

Mark.

Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions

Guest_4643 — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 05:28:13 GMT

Hey Paul. Thank you for your reply and your kind words, it means a lot. My apologies for my slow replies, been a bit busy and have a family friend over until Monday. But I'd rather get on here and try to support people and try to get support myself. And of course I've been down.

I'm sorry that you were in the same boat as me sort of, it's hard finding a good professional, whatever it may be. But I hope you've found good professionals that you can see and that they help you.

I try to be proactive yeah, it's so hard though. I'm doing everything I can including what I've been told by my GP and Psychiatrist and I'm getting nowhere. My Psychiatrist is the only one helping and I'm thankful, very thankful. He's the only good person I've found, ever. And I feel so blessed because he actually cares. And I've never found that in a professional.

Well I've told my GP as much as I can about my history, but she doesn't seem to know and understand, if that makes sense? Not sure how else to word it. I seem to tell my Psychiatrist more because he understands, and he cares. She just either says stuff I don't understand and stuff I don't find helpful but rather abrupt. Like me being 'self aware', what does that even mean? I live with this stuff, she doesn't. I'm self aware every day, I know how my body and brain works. That and other things she said when I saw her a few days ago I found hurtful. I tried to take it lightly and as help but it didn't seem that way.

I've been thinking about changing a GP but there's not many at this clinic, and I did see one prior who was OK but she wasn't the best for mental health stuff so I changed. Now I feel like the old Doctor holds it against me, she says hi when I'm there sometimes though. My Mum sees both of them depending on their availability. Plus I've heard mixed things about all of them, and they're all hard to book into. I have wait a few weeks to see my GP and Psychiatrist, but I understand, especially with my Psychiatrist. He has personal commitments, work commitments whether Psychiatrist stuff or other work stuff he does. I respect that.

I miss my Psychiatrist. I've told him about my GP and other so called professionals who have been treating me badly. He seemed to make notes of this in our last session more than usual. So who knows.

Thanks for your help, I appreciate it. Take care.

Tayla

Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions

Guest_4643 — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 05:33:52 GMT

Hi Mark, thank you for your reply and kind words, it means a lot and I appreciate it. I'm sorry for my slow replies, I've been down and struggling and we have a family friend here until Monday. But I'd rather be on here supporting people the best I can and trying to seek support myself.

I could try seeing a new GP but I've heard mixed stuff about all of them, and there's not many, some are also away I think. I'm not too sure, as my comment above to Paul says if you'd like to read that also, saves me typing it again.

There's barely any mental health resources here near me, especially in the actual town itself. I emailed Wellways in the closest big town (30 mins from me), this was months ago and they never got back to me. I give up with Psychologists for a few reasons, mainly that none of them helped me and would take me in as a new patient and other stuff. I just want my Psychiatrist and that's all.

There's a Headspace centre also in that town 30 mins away from me. I went there for a group that went for 8 weeks sometime last year, in July or something? I can't exactly remember. Anyway that group was horrible, I got nothing out of it and we just did stupid kid things all the time like paint with our hands. I don't mind art and I know it's a way to express yourself and see others ideas but when we did it every week for 8 weeks and nothing else and little kid things it was too much. The manager and group members made fun of my mental illnesses and other things so I made a complaint and she lost her job. eHeadspace on their web chats have always been rude to me also. I complained about this too. That was traumatic for me and still is.

Other than that, there's nothing here for mental health, I've looked online and everything. It sucks. I see my Psychiatrist through Telehealth (Skype). He's in Sydney and I'm in Regional Victoria like I mentioned which is a 6 hour drive for me, maybe 1 hour or so to fly, not sure. He's the only good part in all of this in my opinion and I don't mean that in a creepy or awkward way, but in a grateful and thankful way.

Thanks again for your reply and kind words, it means a lot and it's appreciated from me. Take care yourself.

Tayla

Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions

Matchy69 — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 09:59:51 GMT

Hi Tayla I understand about living in a small community with not much mental health services.It makes it hard.I only half an hour drive from the nearest city but i hate going in there and have panic attacks with all the cars.I use to driving around here with no traffic.I only just see my GP at the moment.I havent seen a phychiritis or phychologist in awhile.I havent liked any phychiritis i have seen.My phychologist i use to see was nice and i could talk to her but she is to far away now since i moved.I just been coming on here a bit of late just to talk to someone and to let it at sometimes.I am not very good with people or making friends or keeping them when i do.

I hope you have a nice weekend with your friend.

Take care,

Mark.

Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions

Guest_4643 — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 07:13:48 GMT

hey Mark, I'm so sorry for replying just now.

Happy Australia Day. the friend is a friend of Mum's and Dad's, mostly Dad's who they've known since before I was born but I know him well too. I don't have anybody my age in their 20s or teens. so that really depresses me, but it can be nice having company sometimes. but also annoying at other times, without being rude.

I'm so sorry that you've never liked any of your therapists, I relate to that. my Psychiatrist is the ONLY professional I've ever had that I like, ever. that's why I mention him a lot because I'm so thankful. I'm not trying to sound like I'm obsessed or creepy or anything because I'm not so my apologies for that. it just means so much to me.

I relate to you about panic attacks and with the cars although I don't drive. I have my Ls but never done any hours because of my anxiety. I'm such a failure, and I'm 20. I'm not good with people either, which is surprising that I joined these forums.

Take care too,

Tayla

Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions

Matchy69 — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 00:53:23 GMT

Hi Tayla.thanks for talking to me.My headache is much better today.I am getting very nervous about getting my daughter back to school tomorrow.She has bad anxiety,aspergers and selective mutism and is 16 next month.I have been helping her study for her learners which is a good goal for her to have.I have learnt i dont know half the road rules.

I understand about your bond with your phychiritis and how much talking to them means to you.I had this amazing friend up to setember last year who i use to talk to all the time and could talk about anything to her.She was sort of like a therapist for me but i lost her frienship last year from over ringing her just being to needy.I miss her such much and have no way of contacting again.I miss that person to talk to whats going on in my life,the struggles i am having and the good thinhs hsppening.I just come on here just to talk to someone but just dosnt see the same.

I am just waiting for my Doctor to come back from maternity leave in march so i can talk to her.I only like one other Doctor at that practise but i have only taken the kids to see her.Their is a few male doctors there but havent liked any of them.

Take care,

Mark.

Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions

Guest_4643 — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 03:43:10 GMT

hey Mark. sorry for just replying now.

you're more than welcome for me talking to you, and thank you for talking to me aswell. I'm glad your headache is better today, I'm sorry to hear about your daughter and the struggles for all of you though, I hope things turn out alright as much as they can. I'm thinking of you all.

I'm so sorry about you losing your friend also, I know how that feels. I don't have anyone. the only people I really talk to live in America, or one in the UK. not like I can drive and see them or anything, but I'd love to meet them. and thats hard because of the timezones and whatnot.

I feel so heartbroken and like bursting into tears right now (you can read my comment on the other post I replied to, BB Cafe or something about that). I come on here too for people to talk to. I wish I had someone in person though. I see my Psychiatrist through Skype never met him face to face so it's not the same in a way.

I don't really like any Doctors at the clinic I go to. the others are 20-30 mins drive and I don't know if my parents would drive me there because I don't expect that. I have my Ls but never driven because of such bad anxiety. I'm a failure. I hope you and your kids find a great Doctor and other professionals. I hope I can support you here aswell as others.

take care aswell,

Tayla

Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions

Matchy69 — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 04:18:20 GMT

Hi Tayla i can really hear the sadness in your words.I feel for you and that you think your a failure but i dont think that at all about you.You seem to me like your an amazing young caring person.I hope you find the help you need to show that you are an amazing person.I thank you so much for talking to me on here,i am not real good communicator at all.

I was interested to here you had friends in America as my friend i lost was from America and has been living in Australia a couple of years.I found her to be one of the most iteresting people i have ever met and i miss her friendship so much now.

I know how hard itnis finding a doctor you like.Some of them just seem so fake uncaring and dont want to help.I am just waiting fory doctor to come back from leave,she is the only one i trust.

I had to get my drivers licence through my cousin at in small country police station as because of my nerves and anxiety i fouled my driving test 6 times and given up getting it.That was over 30 years ago.I have a really good safe driving record.

Take care,

Mark

Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions

Hanna3 — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 04:52:48 GMT

Hi Matchy and Hi Tayla,

Gee you both sound like such nice people it's a shame you're so lonely Tayla, and Matchy I can so relate to panicking in heavy traffic, I get anxious in the big country town I'm in now, in the city I go to pieces I'm so scared. I do know of someone who moved to a small town because she had developed such a fear of the heavy traffic in Sydney that she could no longer live there, so we're not alone!

Tayla you're finding it hard in between sessions with your Psych and I can really understand that, so many people on BB find it difficult. Hang on the time does do past! I think it sounds as if the town you're in just doesn't suit you - lack of MH facilities and the people excluding you, it sounds like an older age group and a town with more people around your age would be a great help. As you can't move is there anywhere there at all where some younger people seem to meet up that you could possibly go to? I know it's hard.

If not, do what I'm doing about where I am living now (which doesn't suit me in a lot of ways). I tell myself I'm here for the time being, but it's not a life sentence, either I will settle down and get used to it (I'm giving myself the autumn/winter as I don't like the heat) or I will find some way of moving away. I don't know how yet but something may turn out in the future. So can you think like that a bit? That maybe it's rotten there now, but maybe in the future you will be able to move, or some new people will move into the town that are friendly with you, or you will come across someone unexpectedly who will turn out to be a friend?

I met one friend here just walking Sam in the park and we got chatting. Now we meet up in a café from time to time. It isn't a close friendship but at least it's someone to meet up with sometimes.

Matchy you sound too nice to be lonely and not have or be able to keep friends!

Loneliness is such a problem here on BB, where I live none of the neighbours ever talks to each other, I haven't seen any of them for months. It's a real shame that our society has become like this.

Meanwhile BB does provide some "company" and support. It's always nice when I lot on and find people I "know" to talk to. Take care both of you. Hugs all around!

Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions

Guest_4643 — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 05:24:32 GMT

hey Mark. thank you for your nice words and replying once again. means a lot.

you're lovely yourself and I think you communicate great. but I know how you feel, believe it or not it's so hard for me to talk to people even on here. I'm the same in person, might go for a walk and I'm too shy to say hi to anyone regardless of their age. I just look down and pretend like I'm invisible. it sounds so simple to say a quick hello and strike up conversation with anyone wherever I may be but it isn't. this is because of being judged, laughed at, treated like crap, and all of that. trust issues I suppose you could call them? but everyone on these forums seem trustworthy, so thank you.

I'm so sorry about you being so anxious to drive and your other struggles, but wow that's amazing that you never gave up, good on you. I'm glad you're driving and have a safe driving record. I'd try to be a safe driver myself. I'm just so scared, some people may think it looks easy but it doesn't to me. I don't concentrate well although I try to put all of my concentration into something. even stuff like making food or a coffee I can forget and how simple is that? so I'm so scared to drive. would be nice to have freedom though I suppose. I tell myself I have to push myself to learn especially in a country town because it may be easier but I just can't bring myself to do it. I tell myself all the time that I need to do it. and I put myself down constantly because I could've been driving since I was 16 and had my Ps and all of that.

and yes I totally agree with you about the Doctors and other professionals. my GP seemed alright at first and I thought she's the one to stick with, but now she's just not caring at all. she seems like she's just fake and wants money. I don't mean to be rude and backstab her but it's so hard. what do you suggest I do, maybe complain? I told her how I'm feeling and how her not caring doesn't help me. she didn't care. all of that hurts. she says I need to "fake it more". what does that even mean? does she not know how much I fake stuff every day and I can only do it so much? ugh.

I hope you find a great supportive Doctor and any other professionals if you need them. thanks for replying again.

Tayla x

Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions

Guest_4643 — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 05:42:07 GMT

hey Hanna, thanks for replying.

I'm so sorry to hear of not only yours and Mark's struggles on the forums, but every one who is a member even if I haven't read their posts yet (I look at them but there's so many and I'd like to try and think of the right things to say).

you're right about what you said about the town, and yeah I tell myself that all the time about staying here for now. I can't live on my own, I couldn't handle it. I'm so dependant and I hate it, I've tried to be independent but it's so hard for me. I wish I wasn't like this. but I'll try to tell myself that more. as for the young people, no there's not. there is one place but that's just for people who are homeless, struggling with no family as in parents, etc. that type of stuff. I feel so sorry for all of those people but I'm not in that situation luckily. plus they run at bad times in those groups, and it's a 30 minute drive. so no other than that there's nothing around. I tried asking a hospital 20 mins away if I can volunteer there because they were looking a while ago but I can't find any way of contacting them which is odd? no phone number, no email, nothing? how confusing?

thats great that you met a friend walking Sam, he looks so adorable. and how lovely that you meet at cafes, that can even be nice. I wish I had that with somebody. even if I walk down the cafe myself everyone in there is rude and the prices are always changing, and so slow. for example you can order a coffee and a cake and they'll forget to give you something or do it wrong. but I understand being under pressure.

I also wanted to ask you and Mark, I hope you don't mind. I read my Psychiatrist's report for me and referral to the local biggest hospital (30 mins away), and it made me cry and depressed. There wasn't anything bad in it, but he said in the referral about "hoping they can offer me Psychosocial help", what does that mean? Does that mean he's trying to help me himself and get other people to help or that he doesn't want to see me anymore? I feel like he doesn't want to see me because he's too busy and I'm a burden. He's never said that he doesn't want me as a patient. I'm so heartbroken and confused and it doesn't even sound like anything wrong. I hope he still wants to see me. Should I ask when I see him again on Skype on Feb 14? Why do I always think the worst? I'm so sorry.

Tayla x

Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions

Matchy69 — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 07:02:46 GMT

Hi Tayla,psychosocial help is i think is trying to get you some extra help for you that is closer to you and get you more socially independent.I think he still wants to support you and be your psychiaytrist.I think next time you chat with ask him if he still wants to help you do you can reasure your self and know what his plan is.

I understand how hard it is to move out of home.I was 26 when i moved out and it was one of the hardest things i ever did and struggled at first.I still had my mum doing things for me.The reason i moved out was i inherited an estate and bit the bullet and bought my own place in a small country town about an hour away from where i was living.

Take care,

Mark.

Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions

Guest_4643 — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 07:50:00 GMT

hey Mark.

I looked up Psychosocial stuff but I don't understand what it means, the wording. I'm starting to think all of this is going to turn out really bad and I feel like I'll be admitted. I really hope not. maybe it could help but I don't want that at all. the triage he referred me to hasn't contacted me yet. maybe they'll send me a letter but don't those places call?

I'm sorry you struggled yourself, but good on you for making the move and getting used to it. sometimes it would be nice living alone but it'd struggle more than I am now.

take care yourself,

Tayla

Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions

Matchy69 — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 08:29:09 GMT

Hi Tayla,yes it does sound a bit confusing for you.I dont know that really means hospitalisation for you.I usally get letters from the hospital so they might not necessary ring you.I have been hospitalised a few times myself with the longest stay being 6 weeks.

It isnt easy moving out of home and doing things but it can be done and am sure you will get there.You have a great psychiatrist that you trust.

Take care,

Mark.

Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions

Guest_4643 — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 10:04:46 GMT

Hey Mark, thanks for replying again. I replied to the other stuff on the Cafe post.

It is confusing yes, considering I'm only 20 (I'll be 21 this year in November). I've never been to a triage or hospital for my mental health. I'm so sorry that you have been though.

Yeah no one's called me yet and it's a 24/7 number. Maybe tomorrow since it's technically a Public Holiday today, otherwise maybe I can try and call them. I hate talking on the phone, I get all choked up just like I do in person and it's hard. It sounds so simple I know. I hope everyone else is nice since the guy I spoke to before the referral was made was so rude and unhelpful and that put me off.

Do you know if I'll still be able to have my Psychiatrist, but see the social worker or something like that at the triage? Can I request this from him and the triage? Do you think he means he doesn't want to work with me and not know me anymore? He's never said this though and without being mean, I'm sure he may have patients with worse mental health than me (who I feel so sorry for), I don't mean that in a rude way there's just no easy way to say it really.

I'm so sorry for so many questions and I hope I'm not triggering you or anything. It's all new to me. I'll ask my GP and Psychiatrist when I see them again and the triage if I go. Do I have to go, is it compulsory or my decision?

I hope you're alright and I hope your daughter is alright too. Thank you for your help and replies, means a lot. I'm just so stupid I don't understand anything and I apologise, sigh.

Tayla

Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions

Matchy69 — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 12:18:33 GMT

Hi Tayla,you are not stupid and you are very smart asking inteligent questions which is great.I have been seeing a phychiaritis since i was about 7 y.o on and off.I have been in hospital several times as an adult.I found it an ok experince with the staff usally very nice and the other patients were had a mixture of mental problems and we seemed to bond and support each other which was good.When i was in you had a nurse for you who had 3 or 4 patients she attended but you really didnt see much of them.You would have a hospital pychiatris that was asighned to you.

I am not sure about triage and what that really entails.I have done group sessions with about another 4 or 5 guys and it was run by a trannie pychologist who was really nice and the other people in my group were really nice and supportive.I think you would really benefit from something like that.I know how hard it would be for you but if they want to something like that you should try it.

I believe it would be volunterial for you but it does sound like a good option for you.You do keep all your support outside of the hospital but when in the hospital you will see the hospital pychiatris most likely.

I really do know how you are feeling and i know that it will be ok.I to hate ringing people on the phone but sometimes it cant be avoided and it will help knowing whats going on.I hate not knowing which sets of my anxiety.

Please take care and i will talk to you later,

Mark.

Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions

Guest_4643 — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 12:50:51 GMT

hey Mark, thanks for commenting back again and letting me know about all of that.

I'm so sorry to hear that you've been in hospital so many times and since aged 7, wow. I knew my mental health was getting worse at 12, it was like my world was upside down, it's a long story. but it sounds like people were supportive to you in those places, and I'm glad, that's how it should be.

i'll try to contact them myself, I can't find an email for the most only the hospital directly but they never reply honestly, and I'll ask some questions such as seeing my own Psychiatrist I have rather than a new one, and I'll ask my GP and Psychiatrist all of this too, I'll write stuff down if need be although it will depress me but it could be beneficial.

yeah you could be right, it could be worth giving it a go. I asked Hanna on another post we were commenting on as you may or may not have seen, asking if it might be like that scene in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, where they're all sitting around with the Nurse and they pick someone to chat and they discuss their struggles, and one guy starts talking about his wife, and then the basketball TV scene is on after that. maybe not that full on because it's just a movie, but it's a good one, sad but funny. have you seen it?

I'm also worried that it will be like the local Headspace Centre, that was for a group. I don't know what the group was for, I got nothing out of it. it was good for about 2 sessions, I was positive, thought I'd made some friends, etc. we did the same stuff like artwork everyday and childish things which was stupid. some of it was fun but unnecessary, I like art at times and expressing myself and seeing others work but wow. anyway the manager and group members made fun of my mental illnesses and turned against me which was and still is so traumatic and I'm fearful of other places. I complained and the manager lost her job, of course I've never bee nice back there or communicated, and I never will. my parents and psychiatrist and I are disgusted in this and how other so called professionals have treated me, that's why it's nice to have him. and I hope I can still see him. EHeadspace has been like that to me aswell.

sorry for rambling, I know you have your own things to deal with like everyone here does, I'm so sorry. thanks for listening and supporting and whatnot though, I appreciate it. means a lot.

hugs, take care yourself. I hope you and your daughter are going to be OK, you're both in my thoughts.

Tayla

Need help coping between Psychiatrist sessions

Matchy69 — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 01:19:05 GMT

Hi Tayla i am just seeing how you are today and heard back from the triage.

Thanks for caring it means a lot to me as feel so alone sometimes even when i have my kids.It just nice to be able to talk about stuff going on in my head and that.

The last time i was in hospital everyone use to come to me with their problems and use tell me everything that was going on and ask my advice.Everyone said i was nice and easy to talk to and good listener.I never understand why i dont have any friends or keep them.

I did have a strange inocdent in hospital a cross dresser stole all my clothes and other peoples as well apparently that was what they were in there for but it was all good.

The first time i was in hospital i was 7 y.o and it was christmas.I was allowed to go home christmas day for the day.I spent 4 weeks in hospital.I liked being in hospital as i had friends to play with and i didnt at school as everyone use to tease me.

I hope you are not to stressed today.

Take care,

Mark.