We don't have much money, can we get help?

[meg_sta]

Hello,

This is my first post and I would really like some information from those in a similar situation. My partner and I have been together for almost three years and he has been depressed the entire time, infact we got together in the first place because he needed someone to talk to!

He tried going to see a GP over two years ago and they made him feel worthless and pathetic and basically said come back in a year if you're still depressed. Consequently he won't go back to another GP. I've tried encouraging him on several occasions but he always has a reason not to, it will cost to much, I don't have time, I don't want to talk to anyone, the drugs probably won't work anyway, so I really need to find out what to say in response.

 We have just moved to Aus from England so I don't know what is and isn't covered on medicare.

I would be really grateful for any information, guidance or stories from others about what is available and what I can do.

I feel like I don't know the real him and I don't know how much longer I can stay if something doesn't change and I feel horrible for that.

Thanks in advance

[Neil_1]

Hi Meg Sta

Welcome to Beyond Blue and thank you so much for coming here and providing your post.

Your story of your partner and a bad experience with a GP is unfortunately not an isolated incident – or be it with counselors and the session(s) were a waste of time (and money) and it puts people off – just as your partner has experienced.

My suggestion for you is this:    On this site, Beyond Blue have a listing of GP’s – they can be searched for and hopefully you’ll find one (or more) in your local area.  From there, they would be best placed to recommend any possible counseling referrals and/or any medication to take.

GP’s and psyches bills can be offset by medicare.  I’m not fully sure of the percentage;   but from my very ordinary memory, if the cost for a doctor visit is around $75;  I think you get something like $38 or $40 back via medicare.  I could be wrong on this, but if I am, I don’t think I’d be out by too far.

I also have heard from other posters on this site that if you are referred by a GP to a psyche;  then you can get those sessions free of charge via medicare;  but I haven’t encountered this.  Perhaps another poster may come on with information about this for you.

I do hope that your partner will seek out some proper support from a trained professional;  and I also would very much like hearing back from you on this as well.

Before I go, I do want to say what a fantastic partner that “your partner” has – with the support you’re giving him and then reaching out for alternative options.  That’s a really wonderful thing you’re doing meg sta.  Your partner is very lucky to have someone as caring and supportive as you.

Kind regards

Neil

[CrashCoyote]

Hello meg_sta,

Thank you for your post.

I believe that Medicare has a reciprocal arrangement with England. Check with them, they will tell you if you are entitled to any support in Australia.

Kind regards, John.