How do you get help without money?

[Eevier]

1. Diagnosed with ADHD, severe depression, moderate anxiety. I'm unemployed, seeing a psychologist, after 5 visits I feel I've got nowhere really except advised I should break tasks down and figured out that I'm scared to 'hope'. I'm still so sad, every single day. Money is seriously tight,  unemployed but can't get Centrelink at this stage (long story). I have a few Medicare covered visits left but don't think it's enough. What happens after that? If you have no money you are left to deal with misery on your own? How do you get help without money?

[paddymelon22]

Hey Eevier,

That's really tough. and Im really sorry to hear you're going through that. Personally I don't have access to medicare as Im only have a work visa here. So I understand your pains financially.

I found some free mental health resources - And depending on where you are from you can maybe call them to ask for more direction. Just coming from context, Im in Tasmania, so I called our hotline Access Mental Health, and they gave me a layout on the mental health support I could receive here

If you're not vibing with your psych I think that you should speak to another one if possible. Also If there is anyone supportive around you that you can and feel safe to speak with, the bravest thing to do is to ask for help, Its not weak or laziness, its true strength but it takes lots of courage. 

[james1]

Hey Eevier,

Ah I am so sorry to hear you are struggling to get help while having such a tight financial situation. It really sucks that you feel like you need more medicare visits but may struggle to get it financially. I am not sure what options, but perhaps if you have a bulk billing GP you can try and discuss with them again about how to proceed. Each state has different resources so your gp can probably give the best advice there.

Do you have much support outside of the psychologist visits, which it sounds like are still a bit of a work in progress? I found that my need for support exceeded what I could afford, and I ended up leaning quite heavily on my sister and a couple of friends who I was lucky enough to have.

James

[geoff]

Hello Eevier, under certain circumstances your doctor can allow more sessions with the psychologist, but you need to be honest with them and tell them what they have suggested isn't working, and need another angle from them.

Geoff.

Life Member.

[Outside observing]

Hi Eevier,

You might be able to find a support group for anxiety and depression nearby - I encourage you to research some groups in your area. Also the local library can be a good place to go to just be around other people and to seek if there are any discussion groups or things you can be involved with. Also see your GP for additional sessions with a psychologist. It really sucks not to be able to afford mental health care. Your GP might be able to refer you to your local public mental health service or at least speak to them about a second opinion.

[Eagle Ray]

Hi Eevier,

There are some counselling services that are lower cost. For example, there is one that is run through a nearby town to me and at other towns in the region. It's still $80 per session though or $40 if you hold a concession card. I had a couple of sessions there before finding my current psychologist. Are you possibly eligible for a healthcare card even if not receiving a Centrelink payment? I'm just wondering if that may help? Sometimes there are options out there but you have to search a bit. I understand that it is really tough though.

I've found I've learned a lot through my own online research relevant to my conditions, as well as reading books. I don't know if you're into reading or not, but even taking something like ADHD, for example, and watching resources online from reputable sources is an option. Currently I am trying to get back into the workforce and I'm researching websites to do with ADHD and work. I likely have ADHD but haven't had a formal diagnosis. I'm starting to look at self-employment options as possibly suiting my ADHD brain. I have depression and anxiety too, so I really feel for you.

Keep in contact with people whatever you do. You can chat on helplines if you need to and as others have suggested making contacts through local groups can be another way of experiencing some support. There may also be an ADHD support organisation in your state that offers some form of counselling or support. I had a free counselling session years ago with one.

[AnotherRandomUser]

It really is unfair that a lot of us are forced to struggle with limited money or no money.

You could try calling Accessline, Beyond Blue or Lifeline (or all 3) for information on any free/cheap therapy or support services in your area. Your doctor may know too, or you can call other support services in the area asking if they know of any they can refer you to.

As for day-to-day living, you can talk to Salvation Army or Vinnies for financial supports. They can sometimes provide food or energy vouchers. They might also know of other financial supports in the area, like a food bank.

Community Centres can sometimes provide support, social events, and even food if you have one nearby. There are also sometimes free entertainment places like the library, museums, galleries, etc, as something to do. Or even visiting the local park. Library offers free/cheap printing too if you need to get paperwork done.

McDonalds sometimes offers free Wifi if you need it, I think some shopping centres do as well.

But all that aside, I know its not really enough. There truly should be more free support for people so they dont end up isolated and struggling. Im just sorry your dealing with this and I hope you can manage.

[quirkywords]

Eevier

people here have given you suggestions. Different states offer different service. A local health centre may be a good start. Beyond Blue offers a support line as do other organisations.