Hi 44Max44 and wave to Unholy_Idiot,
I am wondering if you have investigated the possibility of engaging a social worker through Centrelink? I'm not sure if it's something they currently provide, but I know indigo who is also on this forum has mentioned that she had some good help from a social worker through Centrelink. Sometimes there are also other organisations that offer free support via a social worker. A bit more than a year ago I was on Jobseeker and with a disability employment agency. They told me about a community-based mental health service in my region (I am rural) that provides free social work support. They contacted the organisation on my behalf but it did take a very long time for the service to get back to me and when I returned their call after a phone message they left they didn't call back (I think due to being under high demand). By then I was on a disability pension and decided not to pursue it. But I'm just trying to think of some options that will not cost you anything.
I also wonder if the psychiatrist is a good fit if it feels like you were barely making process? It is indeed so expensive. I'm guessing you are aware of the Mental Health Care Plan you can get from a GP, but if not you can get a Medicare rebate for up to 10 sessions. After that you can also get an Enhanced Primary Care Plan for another 5 sessions which is a lesser rebate but still helps a bit. You may know and have done this already. I wonder if researching some psychologists with a lesser hourly rate who seem like they might be a good fit for you is another possibility?
But I totally hear what you are saying - feeling totally swamped and in a Catch-22 where you need the money for help to provide the support to be able to work to have the money. If you are not currently with a disability employment agency but just a regular one, being with a DES provider may at least provide you with more flexibility and some options and resources not otherwise available to you. It depends on the agency of course and also the consultant you get allocated to. I personally found the consultants vary greatly as to how effectively helpful they are. You could get your GP to write in support of you to be with them on the basis of mental health issues.
I am also wondering if whether just chatting to a helpline, such as the Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, may just give you some new perspectives and ideas going forward. I have called helplines a lot in the past 3 years or so when before that I had never called one. I have found that it can be grounding just talking with another human and it sometimes helps just to pivot my mind and coping capacity in a better direction. You don't always get a person on the other end who is the best fit every time, but if that happens I find just rest for a bit then try again, and then you do often get someone really good to talk to.
I understand being caught in a loop and depression can really have that effect, where just leaving the house can be so hard. I have certainly been stuck at home for periods of time where I feel safer, though I do find going out into nature helps me. I do photography so that gives me an incentive to go out when I am able, especially as I love wildlife and landscapes. I wonder if there is something through YouTube that may inspire you to venture out in some way? I watch YouTube clips on photography almost everyday and that sometimes gives me creative inspiration that pushes me outside to try some things.
Just some thoughts, but I know it's really hard. Sending you kind support,
ER
