Newbie post - feeling lost and afraid

[Qualifying Red Flag]

Hi all, just wanted to introduce myself. I am supporting my early 20's son through his own issues and can't help but get swirled in. It is now affecting my own mental and physical health, jobs, friendships, capacity to function. I have an appointment to see a psychologist this week but I guess I am just wanting to reach out to others who are struggling in similar ways?  I totally get that I need to "fit my own oxygen mask first, before attempting to help others", hence my newbie membership on Beyond Blue. I will begin to read the wealth of resource material that I am seeing here and spend some time on these forums, it is a great comfort to me to see that I am not alone. For the record, I am female, in my early 50's, in the ACT. Thanks for reading. 

[Kazzl]

Hiya Red, you've had some great responses here and I can't add much more, but I wanted to say hi and welcome. I'm in my early 50s too and live in Canberra. And I'm a motor racing fan (is that where your name comes from?).

I'm glad you have joined us and look forward to getting to know you better. If you want to just meet some nice folks for a general chat now and then, check out the BB cafe - it's under the Community board. You'll be very welcome.

Hope you're coping with this ridiculous heat. It's driving me batty! I love all the seasons in Canberra but this one's gone on too long. I blame the government.

Cheers 

Kaz

xxx

[Kazzl]

Hi Wendel, welcome to the forum! If you're looking for a face-to-face support group in your region, give the Mid North Coast Local Health people a call - there is a carer's group up there. I don't know that it's just for mental health related care, but I'm sure they can point you in the right direction for what's available in you area. Their Carer Line number is 1800 242 636.

Best wishes

Kaz 

[Doolhof]

Hi Wendel,

I suggest you phone the Beyond Blue help line on 1300 22 4636 and ask the person you speak to if they can suggest any supporting groups in your region.

Have you tried looking up agencies in the phone book? There are usually numbers for Mental Health and all kinds of support agencies.

Recently I saw a group called GROW suggested. You could check them out on the computer and see what they have to offer.

You could even ask the council. They might know of places as well.

All the best with your search for assistance.

Yes, it can be a little frustrating waiting for answers and comments here on this site, but please don't let that put you off.

The community here are very helpful and supportive.

There is also a lot of information available on this site. They have a section on supporting someone with depression. Have a look at that and see what advice they have to offer.

Sometimes we need to think outside of the box when it comes to getting the help and assistance we need.

Maybe a look at other threads here also might give you a few ideas on how to cope and help your loved one.

Cheers for now from Mrs. Dools

[Qualifying Red Flag]

Hi Kaz,

 Yes I am rather a fan of motor racing and I was sitting here watching Clipsal in Adelaide on TV last weekend, scratching my head about what to call myself on this forum, I glanced at the TV and "Qualifying Red Flag" was what I saw, so decided that "Qualifying Red Flag" was who I shall be! Totally agree Kaz about the stinking Canberra heat in the past week...I too blame the government...in fact, I blame the government for most things I can't blame anyone else for 😄

By way of an update, I had my appointment with my new psychologist yesterday, she was lovely and I felt good just for talking. It was so helpful just to hear myself putting together an introductory timeline. I forget sometimes how far I have actually come. I cannot get back in to see her until the first week of May so asked whether she could recommend some reading or online resources...she suggested "ecouch" and/or "braingym". I have asked the question in another thread on these forums about whether anyone here has looked at either of these, they are free, self-paced, online learning modules so I will definitely have a suss. I am interested to hear from anyone who has a perspective on either program and will provide feedback once I have a look and start working my way through them.

Thank you again, one and all, for all your support.

Red

[pipsy]

Hi Dools.  Just reading your reply to Wendel.  Not knocking your suggestion GROW in any way.  I approached them when dad died years ago.  They're very similar to AA in their approach.  They have a 12 step recovery program and always start and end with a prayer.  I do attend a local church (sometimes I question their beliefs too).  GROW is very supportive, but the church side of their practise could make someone who has their own faith, question some of their beliefs.  They usually start with a prayer, go through the 12 step program then invite anyone who is having problems to open and discuss.  They do have some fabulous ideas on how to cope with certain issues, but starting and ending with prayer could be off-putting, particularly if you're not 'into' religion.  I'm not saying Wendel shouldn't attend a meeting, maybe he would benefit, all I'm saying is as long as he has a rough idea how they run the meeting, this will help him decide.  Whatever he does, hopefully he will get some guide.