So long until psyc appt....

[Meowface]

So a lot has happened since I’ve last shared. I’ve had a baby and moved interstate. All was tracking well but I’m now about 5 months post partum and anxiety has hit hard.

I mustered the courage to see a brand new gp (daunting) for a new mental health plan. I felt like the hardest part was over.

Then I’ve found out today that the earliest I can see a psychologist is January. This has sent me into a spin. I had worked with my psychologist in my home state for 10 years and was devastated to leave her. Now to think I have to wait 3 months and build a new relationship makes me feel so alone and like the help isn’t there.

I should have sought help sooner. I’m trying to put in place some other supports in this new state like finding a new yoga studio but I’m just feeling lost. I’m seeing another GP on Monday for a post-pregnancy issue. I might talk to her as well and see if she can get me into anywhere sooner.

[White_Rose]

Hello Meowface

Congratulations on the birth of your baby. Babies are such wonderful beings. I hope all is going well with you and baby.

Waiting for long time to see any specialist can be hard but it seems much worse when we are waiting to see a psychologist. Have you moved to a small town with limited access? That's the unfortunate part of not having enough service providers. Hopefully your new GP can find someone who is more readily available.

The hard part of any new contact is telling your story. My GP left the practice and I had been with her for about 17 years. It was incredibly difficult to start again. Can your previous GP (the one you saw in your home state) write a history for the next GP. Did you get a letter from your psychologist? It may be worthwhile contacting her and ask for a letter explaining your history. You will probably still need to go through it but it will give your new medical people some background which is always helpful.

Another alternative to help you through this time if seeing someone soon is not possible, is to contact a counselling service. Anglicare, Salvation Army and Relationships Australia have counsellors and charge nothing or very little. This may help you for the time being. Also check when you see the GP on Monday if there are any other counselling organisations in your area who can help. And of course you can talk to beyondblue on the 24/7 helpline 1300 22 4636 or chat online from 3:00pm to12am seven days a week. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the link.

Hope these are helpful suggestions. And of course, as you know, there is the forum.

Mary

[smallwolf]

Hi and welcome to beyond blue. I can't imagine what it would be like to have to get a new psychologist. I don't know much of your story but am hopeful that in the time you were with your former therapist you would have a few tools at your disposal to use as needed. And you would know the community here will also support you as well. I will listen to you. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself. It sounds like you moved and hence the need for a new GP and therapist?

Tim

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Meowface,

Thanks for your post. I'm sorry to hear you have to wait so long for a psychologist - I know how frustrating it is, especially when you've decided you are ready to see someone again.

I wonder if it might be worth looking at building up those other supports to help you until January? You mentioned the yoga studio - is there anything else that might be helpful?

Mary mentioned some organisations that you could try. There's also online programs (such as Mindspot), apps, self-help tools (such as mindfulness or journalling), books, helplines (including PANDA) and support groups. It won't be the same, but considering some of these things might help get you through until your first appointment.

RT

[44Max44]

Hi,

I've gone for a Mental Healthcare Plan twice now, and both times I've been told that the earliest I can see a psychiatrist is in three months' time. Because of this, I just never ended up going to see them. I find it extremely difficult to keep myself motivated to go and see a psychiatrist if I have to wait an entire 3 months just to see them. Like you I thought the mental healthcare plan would be the hardest part and then after that it'd be smooth sailing, but having to wait 3 months is horrible. I usually get bursts of motivation that are usually short-lived, so when I have to wait 3 months that motivation goes away and I just end up not going.

With my most recent MHCP I had everything setup just for them to call me and say they couldn't fit me in at all and that I'd have to get another recommendation to go somewhere, which meant going back into the GP and going through everything again, which I just didn't do.

I know I probably should just go back in and get it over with even if it's a 3-month wait, but it's so hard to find the motivation to do it when I know it'll be at least 3 months before I get help.

[Meowface]

Thank you so much everyone for your thoughtful and caring replies. I saw the other GP today and she confirmed the wait time is normal where I’m living but similar to your suggestions also recommended:

-Headspace App

-Smiling Minds

-The happiness trap book

-Release your worries book

-Yoga

-Nature

-Mindfulness

She said to go back and see her if I start to feel worse which I will.

Yes we just moved interstate with a 3 week old baby for my husbands job. We have no friends or family here. I tried a local yoga studio on Sunday and really enjoyed it. It was quiet and not too overwhelming so I will try to do that at least once a week.

Thank you again for your replies.

[White_Rose]

Good to hear from you Meowface and a more positive post. It's lovely you feel OK with the yoga and intend to continue with it. Keep going with the activities that bring you joy.

Mary

[Sammy3934]

Hi Meowface, by the sound of it you are doing everything humanely possible to keep yourself distracted and have a positive, reinforcing environment surrounding you. I am waiting 6 months for my psychiatrist appointment, and fell in a heap initially then thought, hold on, this person can’t be there 24 hours a day to hold my hand, what did they teach you. Mindfulness, meditation, not letting myself be alone to much, as I over think things. You are using similar tools and seem to be way on the way to a positive lifestyle. Congrats on the new baby, just remember there is always someone out there that cares!