I want to help my boyfriend

[Leesh91]

Hey Everyone,

I have been with my boyfriend for nearly two years, he is an amazing person who can light up a room and make anyone feel awesome but he’s not ok. I’ve always known he struggles with his mind but lately he has been getting worse. His anxiety has gotten to the point that he’s self medicating with anything available. He’s got three different versions on himself that I see throughout the week and I don’t know how to help.

The week will begin as himself and by Wednesday he’ll start to crack and just want to go party or stay up all night then by Saturday he’s in a rage and becomes super depressed and then will reset by Monday morning. It’s sounds crazy but it’s been happening every week for a couple of months, I’m pretty sure he’s been doing drugs other than drinking as he’ll shut down when I bring it up. As it’s Monday I know he’ll be clear today so I’m hoping to get some advice, we’ve been talking about going to see someone but we don’t have the money or private health insurance.

I am hoping someone on here has some advice of a bulk billing GP that they could recommend for a referral or that’s just friendly and caring enough to help him. We live on the Gold Coast.

Thank you for reading.

[Doolhof]

Hi Leesh91,

Welcome to the forum. My suggestion is that you and your boyfriend go to your Dr and discuss what is happening with the Dr. He or she will be able to make recommendations for you.

Ask for a double appointment when you book and ask the Dr to do a Mental Health Care Plan which will allow for up to 10 Medicare Assisted appointments.

Some psychologists do bulk bill and others have a gap fee. Explain your financial situation to the Dr.

Due to rules on this forum, we are not allowed to offer names of psychologists on the forum.

You may find it beneficial to have a look at the Beyond Blue website and read the section under Get Support > Find a Professional.

It is not always easy caring for a person who has issues. Hope you find time to do special things for yourself as well.

All the best to you both, Cheers from Dools

[Leesh91]

Thank you for the advice Dools, I didn’t know about the Mental Health Care Plan so I will look into it straight away.

Thanx again

[Doolhof]

Hi Leesh91,

Hopefully you are able to make an appointment for your boyfriend. If the Dr agrees to doing a mental health care plan, there will be a lot of information asked for and questions to be answered. Hopefully your boyfriend can be as honest as possible so he can receive some help.

From my own experience with mental health issues, it is not always easy to admit that I am struggling and have issues. For some misinformed people, depression and anxiety are not classified as "illnesses" but as a weakness. That is not the case at all.

Hopefully your boyfriend can admit that he requires assistance.

How are you coping with the regular changes that seem to appear in your boyfriend? It can be difficult living with a person you love and care for so much and see them struggling.

The Beyond Blue website has helpful information on how you can support people and how you can look after yourself as well. You may find it beneficial to read some of the information.

Wishing you both all the very best.

Cheers from Dools