A somewhat Positive Achievement

[Eclipse0433]

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to share a somewhat important milestone for myself. A few days ago I went to a GP to get a mental health plan done. This was huge for me as I have a fear of doctors and feel like I don't deserve help. While I experienced some of the highest anxiety levels in my life leading up and on the day of my GP visit it went relatively ok. The GP I saw was respectful and understanding of mental health which is rare within the medical field. Also just a random question but has anyone done the dass 21 assessment? How did u find it? I think as a mental health assessment it isn't too bad.

The plan for myself is to start the process to go to a headspace clinic. This is inevitably going to be a long process as the wait times are always long (I have been to headspace before when I was younger). While this is not their fault as they do their best while fighting a difficult battle, it is hard knowing I will have to continue to fight my battle alone for a while longer. I know this sounds selfish as there are people going through worse things. To complicate things where I live we have gone back into lockdown (I am sure u will all figure out which state I am in so hello to my fellow West Aussies). While it is only 5 days and I both understand and respect the need for this lockdown (we have to do our best to protect the vulnerable and each other), it does mean my wait for headspace will be even longer. I know this sounds selfish as there are bigger things going on but I am really struggling.

Anyways enough about me. While I have the energy to write up a post I just want to apologise for not offering more support to everyone in this online community. I find that whenever I go to type a response or offer support it just doesn't sound right. I worry about saying the wrong thing. So while I may not respond, I promise that I see u, I hear u and I support u.

[geoff]

Hello Eclipse0433, a warm welcome to the forums.

How people respond to a thread or another comment may not be as they'd hoped for, that doesn't matter, simply because how you word your comment, other people struggling will understand exactly what you're saying.

For example, how do you ask your bank manager for a housing loan, is there a right way or will you mess it up, that's not what they are looking for, it's the current situation you're in and whether or not you're capable of repaying the instalments, in other words, they understand, the same applies to responding to post/comment that you relate with.

Have you tried contacting HeadSpace by 'help@headspace.com',

-headspace.org.au › eheadspace this may or may not help you by an online chat.

Geoff.

[Eclipse0433]

I'm done. Overwhelmed. Tired. Exhausted. Beat down. Hope everyone is doing ok.

[Eclipse0433]

I am just feeling very exhausted, frustrated and overwhelmed right now. Recently I have had to do quite a few things which make me very anxious. It is kind of a long story so I am gonna summarise it really quickly. Basically I finally decided to start the process of going back into therapy. I had to wait 3 weeks to see my GP to get a mental health plan which resulted in me being referred to headspace. I had my initial telephone appointment with headspace about a week later during which I found out the wait time was 3 months (not their fault obviously as they try their best). This along with a few other factors made me realise that headspace was not the right option for me this time. As such with the help of headspace I have researched and explored the different options I have.

I found a service which might be right for me. Only problem is I need a referral from my GP. So I went to book another appointment with them and the earliest appointment is two weeks away. Now I know this doesn't sound that long and it probably isn't within the mental health field. But I just feel so frustrated and overwhelmed. I was ready to get help but the longer this drags out the harder it gets. I am so sick of dealing with my thoughts on my own. Dealing with the anxiety that seems to be the centre of my life right now. I just really want to be able to tell someone that I am not ok. To let my facade fall down.

I am just so tired. Really over it right now. Keep wondering what life would be like had I not encountered these struggles. I am scared. Scared of waiting two more weeks. Scared of the sleepless nights. Sorry this kind of turned out to be a rant but I just really needed to get it out. Especially today as I feel like I am being swallowed by anxiety.

[Sophie_M]

Hey Eclipse0433,

Thank you for showing your strength in reaching out to the community and sharing how you've been feeling here. We're so sorry to hear how overwhelming things are for you at the moment, but please know that you never have to go through this alone. Our caring community are here to offer as much support, conversation and advice as you need through this difficult time.

It sounds like you've taken such a brave and important step in recognising that you need some extra help and talking to your GP about a mental health care plan to help support you through this. We understand how difficult this process can be, and we think it might also really help to talk these feelings through with the kind counsellors at Kids Helpline. They are a confidential and anonymous, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged 25 and under, and are available 24/7 on 1800 55 1800 as well as through  webchat if you'd feel more comfortable talking online: www.kidshelpline.com.au  Our Beyond Blue Support Service (1300 22 4636) and our friends at Lifeline (13 11 14) are also here for you anytime, night or day, whenever things are feeling like too much to cope with.

Please know that there will be many other members here who can relate to how you're feeling right now, and we are all here for you. If you would like to post further, please feel free to tell us more about what's on your mind and how we can best help support you.

[Eclipse0433]

Hi thank u so much for replying Sophie_M's. I realise how much of a burden I can be. I tend to rant on these forums when everything is too much as I have nobody I can talk to about these feelings. It has been a while since I have contacted Kidshelpline I just feel like a burden taking up their time. I'm sorry about my huge rant today things are just really overwhelming at the moment and I have work tonight which means I have to pretend that nothing is wrong.

[Ggrand]

Dear Eclipse...

I am sorry you need to wait 2 weeks until you can see your GP....yes even though 2 weeks isn’t a long time...sometimes it can feel like a few months....You have been so brave so far..starting up therapy again....That’s not easy to do if you have high anxiety.....I have high anxiety and can understand a little of what you’re going through...

While your waiting for your appointment..please keep talking here if you feel up to it...no pressure at all...

Do you have something that you like doing to keep your mind distracted from you up coming visit?...could be anything at all...we can talk about anything at all on here to get you through this hard and difficult time...

Here for you Dear Eclipse....Do you like the galaxy...as your beautiful community name...represents a beautiful part of Mother Nature and the universe....

Looking forward to hearing back from you...when you feel up to it..

My kindest and most caring thoughts...

Grandy..

[Guest_4643]

Hey Eclipse0433, welcome.

I think I've used the DASS 21, but I can't remember. Is it like the K10 test? If yes, then I've used it.

I had a very bad traumatic experience at Headspace, but I hope that they help you.

Best of luck.

[Jstar49]

Hi Eclipse,

you ARE being very brave in getting assistance, especially if it makes you anxious just thinking about it. You can reward yourself for putting your health first!

Have you got family who is supportive?

I too get a bit worried about what I say when I post a comment- I worry that I will say the wrong thing, or that someone will take it wrong and not like me or what I’ve said. And then I remind myself that it’s a forum where nobody really knows ME, only what I tell them, and if they don’t relate to my comment, or it’s not right for them at that time, then I hope they understand the loving and caring place it comes from.

everyone on here is so kind and supportive, generally. We all just want to help others, and share this special space of being able to admit when things aren’t so good.
I hope you can continue to be brave and share what’s going on for you.
I’m listening.

hugs

J*

[Eclipse0433]

Hi everyone I am so sorry it has taken me so long to respond. Thank u so much for all your kind messages and support. Things have been a bit overwhelming since I last posted. I finally saw my GP and got referred to a different mental health service (instead of headspace). I had my first session with them today and let's just say it left me frustrated and exhausted. I didn't click at all with the therapist and some things were said that made me realise this definitely wasn't the place for me. It's just so hard trying to find someone who u not only click with but that is willing to take u on. Mental health services are underfunded and it shows. It is easy to feel lonely. Unsupported. Isolated. I feel like I am constantly being told that my symptoms aren't mild enough for some services and not severe enough for others. As such I feel like there is nowhere to go. The wait time at headspace is too long for me to wait. Argh I just feel so lost. Trapped. Like nothing is going to get better.

In response to your message Ggrand I often think that if I was not studying what I currently do that I would be studying astronomy. I find there is such beauty in exploring the vast and exciting unknown which is space. I hope u are all well and please please feel free to share how u are feeling in this thread.