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ScarlettR Normal side effects of not taking medication?
  • replies: 2

In 2011, I started taking antipsychotic medication for schizophrenia (although I was first diagnosed with this condition in 2008). I have taken the recommended dosage every day since then. Sometimes, when I had run out and can't purchase a new box st... View more

In 2011, I started taking antipsychotic medication for schizophrenia (although I was first diagnosed with this condition in 2008). I have taken the recommended dosage every day since then. Sometimes, when I had run out and can't purchase a new box straight away, I have to go a day or so without taking any. I start getting irritable pretty quick, as well as disorientated. It gets worse by the day, and I often worry that it would "alter my mindset" and I would not go to appointments or study because I would feel so confused. I don't ever lash out on anyone - I just keep it to myself, it's who I am. Fortunately, deep down I know I have to keep taking those tablets so it's at the back of my mind to purchase a box as soon as possible. It doesn't get as bad as hearing voices - I just get very irritable. I would like to stress again that I don't ever lash out on anyone unprovoked. What I do to remain as calm and collected as possible is to drink coffee or breathing exercises - that's the best I can do until I can afford to purchase a new box of meds. Would you consider my side effects normal or not?

Frustrated mumma Hospital turned my husband away
  • replies: 7

My husband tried to hurt himself today. First time ever this has happened. Mental ward had no beds. We stayed in emergency for 4 hours before the psychologist told him to go home, relax and have an early night. My husband told him he was not feeling ... View more

My husband tried to hurt himself today. First time ever this has happened. Mental ward had no beds. We stayed in emergency for 4 hours before the psychologist told him to go home, relax and have an early night. My husband told him he was not feeling right in the head and he was scared but we couldn't get help. So now im up making sure my husband wont harm himself by watching him sleep for my own peace of mind. Mental health system saving lives again not really sure what to do now. He has a psychiatrist app tomorrow afternoon at the clinic

George7 'Diebetic hypos"
  • replies: 2

Due to a pitutary tumor operation over 20 years ago, my Pitutory was damaged quiet a bit and after the operation I turned into a bad diabetic. Now here is the problem, because when I am in or exiting a hypo my sugar reading are often 10 to 14+ so the... View more

Due to a pitutary tumor operation over 20 years ago, my Pitutory was damaged quiet a bit and after the operation I turned into a bad diabetic. Now here is the problem, because when I am in or exiting a hypo my sugar reading are often 10 to 14+ so the Ambos, doctors, nurses so you are not having a hypo, I have been bashed and slapped around by nursers say it not a hypo and wake up, couple of weeks ago and another hypo and treated rather badly by ambos doctors and especially the hospitel emergency staff who all claimed its not a hypo and one claimed I was fakeing to get symphathy; Question I would like to know, does any Dr have the brains or knowlege to treat me with the respect I should get and say it a hypo.

Just_Lost natural remedys...do they help?
  • replies: 1

Good Morning, I'm suffering a bit of anxiety emotionally and want to try and calm down so I can think more clearly and be more rational. Are there any natural medications that I can try to help calm me down so I don't feel so on edge all the time. Wo... View more

Good Morning, I'm suffering a bit of anxiety emotionally and want to try and calm down so I can think more clearly and be more rational. Are there any natural medications that I can try to help calm me down so I don't feel so on edge all the time. Would rather not take prescription meds if I can help it.....any suggestions greatly received. Thanks

4pawslove Off and on, and constantly switching Medication
  • replies: 11

Hi there First time post for me, after reading the support an advice offered here I felt hopeful I could ask a few questions and share a bit of my story among people who understand and may also be able to offer me ideas. For me the last 6/8 months ha... View more

Hi there First time post for me, after reading the support an advice offered here I felt hopeful I could ask a few questions and share a bit of my story among people who understand and may also be able to offer me ideas. For me the last 6/8 months have been an on going battle and an utter disappointment as I promised myself I would not walk down this path again- yet I saw it coming and could not stop myself from slipping- so scary when you know all the signs and you try all the things you have learnt to aviod the dark but still it comes. This is why I take medication- but as of late nothing seems to be working and I have hit rock bottom. I have been in and out of depressive episodes for the past 10 years, most of which I have been medicated- taking various SNRI's (but they had no effect). In the past taking medication has worked because it enabled me to concentrate, to get on with tasks i was struggling with and getting overwhelmed with, stop my inner chatter and get me into a head space where I see things rationally. It would keep my mood stable by just making me feel numb. But the pay offs where a flat/foggy feeling, no emotional connection to one or anything, sweating, drowsiness and feeling like i've lost all personality/creativity and original thought. In the recent episode I have had- I have chopped and changed medication around alot, giving each a fair go (couple of months) but nothing seems to be working. So I've looked at other options- hypnotherapy, mediation, exercise, diet change, supplements, seeing a psychiatrist to change my medication yet again- but no progress. I am now 1 week in to no medication at all- and its not going well- I am very anxious .I know each person is different and medication has various effects but I wondered if anyone else has been through this constant search I seem to be on for the right way to move forward positively? I know this is the sort of stuff I should be asking a doctor but ive been to so many- ¬ found one I trust or feel has helped me in any way. Im over psychology, psychiatrists, health plans- they have all been dead ends for me. So wondering if anyone here has anything they would like to share that they think might help.

Lily95 Medication for Generalised Anxiety
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I feel a bit weird posting this as I have never used one of these forums before, but I have a lot of anxiety relating to my treatment currently that I feel as though I have no one to discuss this with. I was diagnosed with generalised an... View more

Hi everyone, I feel a bit weird posting this as I have never used one of these forums before, but I have a lot of anxiety relating to my treatment currently that I feel as though I have no one to discuss this with. I was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder three years ago and have been managing it with cognitive behaviour therapy, counselling, exercise, etc., since. My psychologists have termed me as very 'high-functioning' and believed I would be best with medication from the beginning. I have tried to hold this off for a very long time as my mother has a very poor viewpoint on people who medicate for anxiety and depression...her viewpoints are not my own but I will as though I have 'failed' in a way because of her beliefs. *I study nursing and have a high respect for mental health and medication, this is just relating to my own treatment* Also because of my nursing degree, I feel as though I have almost too much knowledge of the side effects of these medications, and how hard it can be to come off them later. I'm in the final year of my degree and am no longer coping in terms of my anxiety, as I now have constant panic/panic attacks due to constant stress, high pressure environments and lack of sleep. My counsellor recommended me to discuss my options with my GP, whom I went to speak with today. He believes I am also suffering from a moderate amount of depression (which I had also realised) and wrote me a prescription for a low-dose of a common SSRI, and wants to have regular check-ups to monitor it's effectiveness. I just feel torn- I know in myself that something hasn't been right with me for the past couple of months, and that my symptoms are much more severe and frequent than usual. I'm scared about my current quality of life, and part of me believes that medication will help with this. But I'm also so cautious/anxious about possible side effects, and being able to come off this medication in the future. I realise this is a lengthy post but I'm hoping someone else may have had a similar experience and be able to reassure me!

Guest_3712 Coping with coming off strong medication
  • replies: 51

Hi all, Its been a long time since I posted here but I've never forgotten the support I received during some very difficult times. Without going into a lot of details I have had major depression and anxiety for a number of years. Several admissions t... View more

Hi all, Its been a long time since I posted here but I've never forgotten the support I received during some very difficult times. Without going into a lot of details I have had major depression and anxiety for a number of years. Several admissions to psych hospitals, countless medication addictions and ongoing therapy and still I'm not "well". I have tried to live a 'normal' life these last couple of years, as possible as that is while still heavily medicated, I've had a job ( retrenched before Christmas) , seen my daughter marry and the birth of my first grandchild- all good for sure. But the price for this normality is that to function I have to take a lot of medication. But no more. I decided a week ago I cant live in this twilight world any longer and stopped one of my meds that left me so zoned out I could only take it at night or if I knew I wasn't go anywhere. not to mention the 30 plus kgs I've put on. I have a supportive psych who I see regularly and while he wasn't happy I stopped without talking to him first he understands my need to try and gain back some control of my life. Dear Readers I know I'm doing the right thing, but I have been on these meds for so long I'm scared I wont be able to hang in there. Its not my first time coming off strong medication but before I was in hospital and it was still very hard. I can feel some of the old anxieties creeping back and that dark cloak of depression I have managed to kept above my head, is beginning to slip further over my shoulders. If anyone has gone through similar experience I would appreciate any support or advice. Stressless

The_Possum Firing you psychologist
  • replies: 7

Has anyone fired their psychologist and how did you go about it? My psychologist has reduced her working days to only one day a week in My local area, and she also us on leave a lot making it hard to even book in. I'm going through a big issue right ... View more

Has anyone fired their psychologist and how did you go about it? My psychologist has reduced her working days to only one day a week in My local area, and she also us on leave a lot making it hard to even book in. I'm going through a big issue right now that is playing havoc on my bipolar depression. Yes I'm medicated but newly diagnosed. I need regular support, I can feel myself drifting downwards. All my psych can do is say on a text message 'don't forget self care sleeping and eating' It's a bit more of an issue than that.. It's just not good enough. She is letting me down.

missmjj Advice on MAOI DIET
  • replies: 4

Dr is weaning me off meds to start on MAOI but I'm scared,worried ,panicky and stressed as there are so many conflicting lists of what and what not to eat.Plus I'm vegetarian and it seems like it's going to be impossible.There seems to be some MAJOR ... View more

Dr is weaning me off meds to start on MAOI but I'm scared,worried ,panicky and stressed as there are so many conflicting lists of what and what not to eat.Plus I'm vegetarian and it seems like it's going to be impossible.There seems to be some MAJOR side effects if I sway from the diet Has anyone any info or reviews that could help.Not sure if it's worth it Tried almost every other types of meds.

AshnPolly Is ECT good?
  • replies: 12

Hi, my psych wants me to start ECT in a couple of weeks... Combined with new medications she is positive it will be a good thing but I'm quite scared. Is ECT ok? Is it an ok treatment?

Hi, my psych wants me to start ECT in a couple of weeks... Combined with new medications she is positive it will be a good thing but I'm quite scared. Is ECT ok? Is it an ok treatment?