Feeling frustrated.

[emmalou]

Hi There

Just posting as a way to vent frustration really. I feel there really isn't a lot of help out there for people with a mental illness. I've seen 2 GP's for depression in the last year. They've recommended talk therapy which I've tried but feel like it's just a band aid really. I feel fine when I'm going, but can't always attend as it can be expensive even on a mental health plan. Saw my GP 2 weeks ago and made an appointment to see a psychologist on my latest mental health care plan, but can't get into to see her until next Saturday. I made the appointment straight after seeing my GP, which means I've had to wait 3 weeks overall to see someone. Have tried to see someone through my work but can't get in to see someone for 2 weeks there either.

I've tried everything but medication really. Tried yoga, meditation, exercise, eating right. But nothing seems to get rid of my depression. Just incredibly frustrated with the whole thing.

[AverageAusGuy]

Hi emmalou

I share your frustration. I am seeing a psychologist semi regularly at the moment and I am not getting much benefit from it. It is better than nothing though so I keep going. And yeah it can still be expensive even with a mental health care plan.

I am sorry that nothing is really helping you. Keep trying different things to see what works for you.

There are some pretty decent self help books out there that are worth reading on the topic of mental health. Also try planning some future fun activities to look forward to. I have found sketching helpful.

Just a few ideas

[Saoirse_M]

Hey emmalou

I also totally relate to your experience, I'm sorry it absolutely sucks. I've dealt with anxiety and depression on and off for years and the way the system is set up often makes finding help feel like more of a struggle and expense than it's worth. I spent so much time seeing different psychologists and taking long gaps in between them because I just couldn't work myself up to going to my doctor and getting referrals to people I wasn't even sure would be helpful. Being frustrated is so normal!

Last year I went on medication and it did make me feel more like myself again. It's a really personal decision - often so stigmatised - that no one can make for you. I also tried and still do yoga and meditation as well but it can be so demotivating when you don't see results. I was resistant to the idea of medication for years but now I don't regret going on it - definitely not been a total fix though! Just started seeing a new psychologist too in the hopes that the combination will be effective.

I hope you can find some new strategies that work better for you. Sometimes the most helpful things can be unexpected things you find yourself rather than often cliche mental health advice that we've all heard a million times

[Mez79]

Hi Emma
I too get your frustration. Were I am to see any real mh professional you need to drive 2 hrs for a psychologist and about 6-7hrs drive for a psychiatrist.
I myself had to wait about 3 weeks just to see a counselor $120 later just to be told I can only control how I react to the things I can't control but didn't really give me any advice as to how and then left it up to me to decide to come back, almost felt she didn't want to take my case.
There's very limited facilities out here for older demographic. We have headspace but that's only up to 25yrs.
Even just getting into a GP takes more than a week sometimes.
It can be very frustrating when you're seeking answers but you're either left waiting or hanging.
I too have downloaded meditation and mindfulness apps but they haven't seemed to help.
The only thing I've found at the moment to help as a short term distraction is instructing my zumba class (but can add some pressure sometimes) and the other is finding a long tv series and watching that. Again very short term distraction but hopefully something you can do until you find something that works.
I'm sorry you're feeling frustrated.
Mez