Need Help - Chinese Speaking Psych

[Rainbowsparkle]

I have recently worked out that my dad is suffering from depression. He has isolated himself from everything he used to do, including church, friends and family. He has recently started distancing himself from me and my sister which has never happened before.

He will only sleep and eat, and watch Tv. Refuses to go anywhere except for the shops.

He is suffering from physical ailments due to a lung transplant about 6 years ago, and has had a significant impact on his mental health as he is a workaholic and is unable to work at all. Although this is so, he can still walk, talk and still has potential to enjoy a good life.

my major problem is that he doesn't recognise that he has a problem; 1. Chinese culture doesn't traditionally recognise mental health issues. 2. We need help from someone who can speak Cantonese or Mandarin.

Today, he started talking about killing himself and divorcing my mum. Again, first time I have ever heard him speak this way.

So we will see a GP as soon a s I can get him home, but I am worried that it will be hard to get someone who can actually help him due to language barrier.

does anyone have advice or experience of this? This is in Victoria

[geoff]

hello Rainbow, it's sad that a culture doesn't recognise that depression exists because of course it does and surely the way your father is feeling is truly a real worry, but to start off with click onto 'Get Support' and scroll down to 'Publications to download', you will then be able to change the language if you have this on your computer, which is easily done, and then I hope that he can read through the information.
Secondly google this 'need a psychologist who can speak Cantonese or Mandarin', where there might be something which could help you, alternatively ring the BB phone number and ask them the same question.
If you do find someone this doesn't necessarily mean that he will be able to open up to the psychologist but it's start. Geoff.

[Sophie_M]

Hi Rainbowsparkle, welcome to the forums. We are unable to provide recommendations for health practitioners here, but if you look through the directories at the link below, they are searchable by a number of factors including language spoken:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/find-a-professional

If you'd like to keep talking with our community about how to support your father and yourself through his depression, please feel free to keep posting.

[Jugglin_Strugglin]

During recent online research, I became interested in traditional Chinese medicine. There are many practitioners available, some seem more genuine than others. Google tcm.

There were many recipes for Chinese herbs for depression, so I am surprised that culture in is denial. Maybe they call it something else?

Perhaps your dad may be open to visiting one.

[Jugglin_Strugglin]

There is also a great pdf to download here, under The Facts, or therapy. It is called "what works for depression", I think. It is quite comprehensive with different therapies, including alternative or complimentary medicine and a scientifically based rating on effectiveness. Well worth a read.

Good luck and best wishes to you.

[Tony2000]

"Chinese culture doesn't traditionally recognise mental health issues." You are right, we don't usually call it mental health issues, but consider those are just different "moods".

Have you found any Mandarin or Cantonese translators/interpreters to help your father? Or you'd come up with a different / more effective way to get him out of the depression?

[Donte]

Hello Rainbowsparkle,

Thank you for seeking support in these multicultural experiences forum.

It must be very sad and confusing to see your dad going through this. Is there any way he would talk to his doctor?

There are a lot of services and supports for elderly from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. I know there’s a few Chinese Services like welfare and age care related in Melbourne.

You could look into MyAgedCare and register your dad, if not already registered. Then a team of professionals will come and meet him and chat (Chinese interpreters are available) and depending on his needs and situation he could be eligible for a package - money that the government allocates to help people with needs who are over 65 to remain at home and continue living independently and enjoy their interests. Mental health can also be covered via NDIS (National Didability Insurance Scheme).

It is admirable that you want to help your dad. Hope this forum can support you in the process. Beyondblue also offers counseling either via private chat or telephone which is totally confidential and free of cost. This could assist you if you are too stressed and require to talk with someone.

Hope you get the help you need for your father. X