Seeking advice for anxiety treatment

[Jena_]

Hi everyone,

I moved to Australia few years ago from the middle east where mental health issues are stigma and never discussed. I realise now that I have anxiety and I am trying to learn about it and seek treatment. I grew up with an abusive mother which has left me with many emotional scars. I am posting here to ask for any advice and recommendations on how to start dealing with anxiety and first steps to take. My current health insurance plan doesn't cover any councelling sessions and I am finding it hard to find affordable options. I am not even sure if that's where I need to start?. My GP said they could give a prescription for anti anxiety medication but I am reluctant to start taking medicationas before I've discussed it with a counciler. Thanks in advance for your advice.

Ive read many of the threads posted on this forum today and I am impressed by the amount of support given.

Thanks everyone for your support and help.

Jena

[16sundayz]

Ask your doctor for a mental health care plan which will give you up to 10 free counselling sessions with a psychologist every year.

[Ruby__2]

Hey Jena.

16sundayz has gi

ven you a great idea.

You can go to GP,explain how you feel.Ask to have a mental health plan which will give you 10 free sessions with a psychologist.

Do not be afraid of meds.It may be what you need as well as counseling. Take advice from health professionals. They do have your best interests at heart.

Always here if you need to ask questions or just need to vent.

Keep posting on your progress.

Ruby 2

[Jena_]

Thank you Ruby and Sundays for your kind reply. I don't have access to mental health care plan because I am not on Medi care.

[Hayfa]

Hi Jena_

Being that you do not have Medicare, another option is to talk to your case supporter if you were allocated one when you first arrived here from the Middle East, they should be able to arrange for you to have free consultations with a relevant health and wellbeing service provider.

The other option is to visit any of the migrant resource centres who can give you more information on affordable options. Depending on which State you live in you can google search these.
You may also like to google the Transcultural Health organisation that can provide links and resources to more information and other service providers.

I hope this helps.

[blondguy]

Hello Jena

Thank you for being here with us. You are strong!

I understand your anxiety as I have had the same for a while (in recovery now) and its a dark place to be in. There are many excellent GP's that can help you with this issue. When I didnt have the funds my GP actually provided me with better support/healing than some therapists did

GP's have much better training than they used to and can a great help.....especially when we make a double appointment!

Thank you for being a part of the Beyond Blue forum family 🙂

my kind thoughts for you

Paul