First steps

[Sebby]

I'm wanting, needing to talk to someone about help/treatment of what I assume is depression or some other form of mental illness. It's hounded me for years but really reared its head with the birth of my first daughter 9yrs ago and has never really left.

i mentioned suicidal thoughts with a maternal nurse when my second daughter was a newborn. I went through a very dark time. She walked me through a questionnaire and was worried about the results but she just handed me some pamphlets and sent me on my way. Never asking about it again.

In the past two years I've had to slow down and now stop my once regular high intensity exercise due to some pretty major injuries and ever since I've had major ups and downs as the weight crept on and I lost my coping mechanism, exercise.

i talked to a dr the other week but he was more concerned about my BMI (body mass index) than my mental health. Actually added increased BMI to my notes not the fact that I had also discussed how I was feeling mentally.

these past experiences have left me with a major lack of trust with GPs and I'm struggling to make the first step to get help.

im worried of wasting the practioners time and falling into a pile crying mess than I am in front of a professional. I'm worried of them judging me before they know my story. I'm worried about telling my story. I'm worried that I know  I'm better off than so many yet still have these issues. I'm worried about being labeled as a sook, attention seeker and waste of time.

i know I can no longer drag my beloved husband through another breakdown. I know my children deserve so much better and I need to get strong for them. But taking that first step again seems nearly impossible. 

I did the questionnaire on the beyond blue website and it puts me at high risk. That's about as far as I've gotten.

who is best to seek professional help without a GP referral? i have no idea about all the different titles. Mental health nurse sounds like a good option, approachable maybe?

what was everyone's first step? Did everyone go through their GP? Those that didn't who did you see first? 

beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Sebby,

Thanks for reaching out to BB.

I'm sorry that you've gone through so much turmoil. I'm reading your post and I feel so frustrated for you - doctors and nurses can be really unhelpful sometimes and it can take so much pushing to really get some answers.  I'm really glad that you are still pushing and wanting to get some help.

There are lots of different ways that you can seek help - try going to this website for more info: 

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/who-can-assist

Really I don't think there is a right or wrong way to go down to seek help; you may find that a psychologist works for you or you may find a Mental Health nurse more helpful.

I know I found a psychologist rather helpful for me.  They tend to be a bit more knowledgable about different types of therapy.  You don't need a referral to see one however if you get what's called a 'care plan' from your GP you can get a certain amount of visits subsidised under Medicare.

Keep trying - even push for another GP until you find someone that hears you.  Another option would be to see whats in the community (e.g. Psychologists or Mental Health nurses that don't work with the clinic) and ask them whether they need a referral to get in.

Good luck 😃

[Sophie_M]

Hi Sebby, welcome to the forum and thanks for your post.

We understand that it can be daunting when speaking to a doctor or mental health professional about how we are feeling, especially when we have had a bad experience with one. Please know that there is nothing wrong with reaching out to a doctor or health professional about how you are feeling, and that they are there to support you and not judge you.

We all need help and support from time to time, so please do reach out. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to your GP, you could always look for a therapist or counsellor that does not require a referral from a GP. You can find a list of psychologists on the Australian Psychological Society website, which you can search for and contact to ask if they need a referral or not, which in some cases they don’t necessarily need one.

Counselling support can be helpful in working out positive ways around thinking patterns and implementing skills and techniques that may be helpful for you. As we move through our different life stages, we encounter barriers in different areas of our life and need to make adjustments and find ways to move forward as best we can. Talking with a psychologist can be a helpful part of this. If you do feel as though you want to see a different GP, you can find this under "Get Support", and then "Find a professional". This lets you search for doctors and mental health professionals in your area. If there isn't a doctor listed close to you it can be helpful to ask friends or family for a recommendation.

There is always somewhere to turn to in times like this. If you are having thoughts about harming yourself or feel you may act on those thoughts it's important to take immediate steps to keep safe. You could call the Mental Health Service Line in Victoria on 1300 657 259 (24/7). You could also speak to Life-line on 13 11 14.

We also encourage you to call the beyondblue Support Service on 1300 22 4636. We can help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with counselling support, information and referrals. We also have a webchat service available from 3pm to 12 am daily, which you can access from the beyondblue website.

We are here to support you and hope you have found some helpful responses and support here online. It is important you look after yourself during this time and we encourage you to continue to reach out for support. Stay strong.

[White_Rose]

Dear Sebby

Welcome to the forum, glad to have you on board. I understand the frustration of not being heard when you desperately need help. It seems some doctors focus on parts of your health only. However, as Sophie has explained, you can access another GP through the BB Find a Professional site.These GPs have experience in mental health issues so will listen to your difficulties. The list is searchable by postcode.

A comment I want to make is about referrals to a psychologist. First of all you can have ten free or low cost visits to a psychologist per year by going to a GP and having a mental health plan drawn up. Medicare will then pay for these psych visits. If you have private health insurance you can continue the visits using your insurance allowance. Then you need to pay the psych yourself.

There is another option. Your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist. Don't be alarmed, this does not mean you are crazy or anything of this nature. When you go to a psychiatrist all your visits are subsidized by Medicare in the same way as visits to other specialists are subsidized. However, you may not need the services of a psychiatrist. I mention these options in case finance is a barrier to your treatment. Without a referral I believe you will have to bear the full cost of treatment.

This is information only. You can go straight to any psychologist if you prefer but costs may be a factor.

A great option on BB is all the information that is available. Look under the drop down tabs at the top of the page. Heaps of info about depression and any of it can be sent to you by BB at no charge.

Sorry to hear about the reduction of your exercise. So many people find exercise a tremendous help when they are depressed. Can you find a more gentle substitute such as walking? In terms of a depression buster I understand that any exercise is good although it does not burn off the calories as quickly as high intensity exercise.

Please do not be concerned about wasting a GP's time. This is their job and most are supportive and thorough. You have had a couple of unfortunate experiences. I have also met doctors who were less than helpful. I have had a GP now for 15 years who is fantastic, so they are out there. Keep trying as they really are a first line of help.

I would like to know how you go so please write in again.

Mary