Waiting for appointment w/ psych... what to do in the mean time?

[trqltea]

Hi everyone, I'm new here!

I've gone to my GP recently about my increasing low moods and general tiredness/lack of interest towards everything in my life, and she suggested that I might have depression. Unfortunately, tried to book an appointment with a psychologist aaannnd there's a 2 month wait list. Problem is, I feel myself getting worse every day. Most of my hours are spent sleeping or feeling extremely agitated and unsettled and it feels like things won't ever improve.

So... while I wait my for my appointment in June, is there anything I can do to feel better? I know a psychologist won't 'fix' me, so I should try a few things at least before I get there... I've heard meditation is helpful, but I really don't know where to start.

[Croix]

Dear Trqltea~

Welcome here to the Forum. I'm afraid that waiting for a psych appointment a long time in the future is really one of those unacceptable things we are sometimes stuck with in our less-than-perfect health system. Unless you can find something quicker via telehealth it simply places one in limbo, feeling frustrated, worried and abandoned.

I guess you are a realistic sort of person, realizing that one visit will not 'cure' all your problems but show a great deal of sense in thinking you might be able to do something to help yourself in the meantime

I might suggest the Mindspot Clinic

https://mindspot.org.au/

Where you can be assessed and given an online course of therapy, backed by interviews with professionals if you desire. It is free and they normally advise and work with your GP and would be an excellent way to make a start.

A slightly lighter equivalent is here

https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/digital-tools-apps/mycompass/

Both are backed by the Australian Government and are reputable.

You might care to look then over, if in doubt mention them to your GP.

Croix

[geoff]

Hello Trqltea, and welcome for posting your comment.

If you can copy and paste this in your search browser or at the top of this page you may get more information to help you 'National health professional directories' or click under 'Get Support' again at the top of this page then you may be able to find a psychologist who has a cancellation.

There may be something that interests you if you search this topic 'Online e-therapies and other sources of support', while others find mindfulness and/or meditation a way to help them understand what they may be going through, that's a personal choice to see whether you benefit from doing this or not, I've tried it but it didn't suit my needs, perhaps it might for you.

Other people appreciate reading other comments on any particular section if you click on 'All Posts' and seem to assimilate with how another person feels, this may then benefit you.

If you have to wait all of this time, then can I suggest you write down on a single page if possible why and the cause you feel like you do.

I only say single because you can write down everything on several pages and then try and abbreviate it to a single page, only because it's much easier for your doctor and/or psychologist to read and then begin your therapy, but by all means, give them all the pages so they can read them later on, the more you tell them the better your sessions will become.

If you want to, you can keep posting on how you are feeling, so we may be able to help you.

Geoff.

[smallwolf]

Hi. Sorry to hear about the long wait list. I get frustrated when one of my appointments get cancelled. As you said, you get something from talking with a professional and then for me there is homework. Nothing different. It might be talking to wife about something I raised with the psychologist.

I would say that different people have different preferences when it comes to apps for mental health.

Other things like mindfulness and grounding you will also find in the forums here.

There is also a thread called

Three things to be thankful for today

On the forums, which was and is one of the things I had to do. And for me, recognising the small achievements

There are also many books in the library. One recommended to me was "the happiness trap".

Perhaps the easiest (?) Would be to write some of your story here and others will reply to you with kindness and ideas.

We are all here with you