Treatments, health professionals and therapies

Information on a range of different areas, including managing relationships with GPs and psychologists, and finding the right services for you.

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gowonzu Ideas on where to get help?
  • replies: 2

So I'm new to this site, so sorry if this is in the wrong place but, I'm recently becoming aware that I'm more depressed than I thought I was, a friend of my mentioned counseling/therapy, saying it worked for him, however I'm kind of tight on money a... View more

So I'm new to this site, so sorry if this is in the wrong place but, I'm recently becoming aware that I'm more depressed than I thought I was, a friend of my mentioned counseling/therapy, saying it worked for him, however I'm kind of tight on money and can't afford a $150 something session with a professional, I've tried dealing with it myself, better exercise, trying to stay healthy, etc, but its been years and its not really working how id like.

peter82 penrith Nsw GP
  • replies: 1

Hi guys first time posting Can anyone recommend a good GP in penrith nsw for panic disorder Thanks peter

Hi guys first time posting Can anyone recommend a good GP in penrith nsw for panic disorder Thanks peter

SammyKitten Email Check ins' with Psychiatrist
  • replies: 2

Hey there guys; I'm new to the forum and I've posted in the introductions section if you need more info. Brief overview - BipolarII (11 or 12 year history of this) plus some other fun comorbid disorders (OCD, Panic Disorder, etc.). I recently spent 4... View more

Hey there guys; I'm new to the forum and I've posted in the introductions section if you need more info. Brief overview - BipolarII (11 or 12 year history of this) plus some other fun comorbid disorders (OCD, Panic Disorder, etc.). I recently spent 42 days in voluntary inpatient care after a severe crash and burn scenario (sorry if I'm not supposed to state days in reference to inpatient - my understanding was that the no numbers rule apply to triggering things, edit at will if need be). After spending seven years with the same psychiatrist I was brave and made the move to a new one. I'm a tiny bit resentful as my last psychiatrist could have prevented the events leading up to inpatient, he was made fully aware of my situation and perhaps it was poor judgement or he assessed me as low risk but he chose to have me attend fortnightly five minute appointments where as I feel an adjustment in the medication combo (say holla everyone now!) would have made a more positive change.My new psychiatrist is a lot younger and he has me on six weekly appointments with email check ins' every fortnight in regards to the extreme overhaul of my medication. My issue is that although I keep a daily diary that is far too much information to scan and send to him - I'm not his only patient and I want to respect that. So this finally leads me to my questions; Does anyone else do this? If so how do you accomplish this - Do you have a template (or know where I can get one?) or do you just wing it? This is important more than ever for me because I've crashed over Christmas quite badly and I need to discuss symptoms to try and figure if it's a non triggered downward swing or if it's medication related. I'm quite OCD about formatting so I want to save myself the pressure of creating a template if there is one floating around somewhere. Ta all; Sammy

LittleSoftie I'm not sure if my new therapist is right for me...
  • replies: 5

Hi there, I have started seeing a therapist after many years of coping on my own. She is not my first therapist but after several bad ones (not cheap either) I just gave up for a while. The thing is, I am an intelligent woman, capable of reading book... View more

Hi there, I have started seeing a therapist after many years of coping on my own. She is not my first therapist but after several bad ones (not cheap either) I just gave up for a while. The thing is, I am an intelligent woman, capable of reading books on cognitive behavior and following the steps they provide, but its not enough, I'm finding that although in the short term they inspire me to heal and get on my feet again, they don't touch the emotional issues that are at the core of my negative feelings and horrible bouts of depression and anxiety and paranoia, as a result no matter how many positive affirmations I voice and meditations and breathing techniques I utilize I keep breaking down, falling apart, and of late this has been public (in the workplace) and I'm devastated and ashamed of my inability to control my emotions. I desperately wanted to find a therapist who doesn't just preach practical advice and serve me more reading to do, but who can actually help me to access the underbelly of my issues. The first thing that the new therapist started on was breathing techniques, followed by the 'take long walks ' ... 'eat well..' sort of thing. I do, do these things, and I tell you if it were that easy I wouldn't need a therapist or anti-depressants for that matter. I told her that I was a very sensitive and somewhat passive person and found it difficult to deal with people who are highly stressed, or overbearing in nature. Her response to this was that I needed to become more assertive. While I agree that this is sound advise, I can't become more assertive until I learn how to control my emotions.. so this endless cycle ensues.... I'm not sure whether she just doesn't get it, or whether I'm not understanding her... What are other peoples thoughts on their expectations of therapy? is this the way all therapists are (toughen up strategies) ? are there any other solutions apart from the very popular ACT, cognitive behavior etc... and/or have these techniques helped anyone permanently? thanks

Xara Amount of sessions you receive?
  • replies: 3

So i am aware that you can get up to ten sessions with a psychologist per year. However are these ten sessions also connected to seeing a psychiatrist? So when you see a psychiatrist does it use up one of these sessions?

So i am aware that you can get up to ten sessions with a psychologist per year. However are these ten sessions also connected to seeing a psychiatrist? So when you see a psychiatrist does it use up one of these sessions?

Maesy Schema therapy for anxiety
  • replies: 8

Just wondering if anyone has tried schema therapy? I have started doing this with a psychologist who is exploring things that have happened in my childhood that may be impacting on my reaction/ anxiety in certain situations. thanks, Jess

Just wondering if anyone has tried schema therapy? I have started doing this with a psychologist who is exploring things that have happened in my childhood that may be impacting on my reaction/ anxiety in certain situations. thanks, Jess

MoonWings Can't say no to my psychologist
  • replies: 7

Hey, For the entire time that I've been seeing my psychologist, I've never been able to say anything negative. She asks me how I am, I say that I'm okay, even though I was struggling really badly during the week. She asks if I agree with something, I... View more

Hey, For the entire time that I've been seeing my psychologist, I've never been able to say anything negative. She asks me how I am, I say that I'm okay, even though I was struggling really badly during the week. She asks if I agree with something, I say yes, even though I think it won't work for me / isn't something I'm comfortable with. I don't know what to do at this point. I've agreed to do something that I am dreading. I can't fully put a finger on why I do it, but I think it may be because I have issues with feeling guilt over the smallest things, such as saying that I don't want a coffee when my mother offers me one. I really need help. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Moon x

Lostflutterby So stuck my life is falling apart.
  • replies: 4

I don't know what to do. This is so hard for me to admit. My head, my house, my life are all bomb sites. I have 9 weeks til bubs is born and right now I am in tears. Every room in my house is cluttered and needs a deep clean. I can't walk into a room... View more

I don't know what to do. This is so hard for me to admit. My head, my house, my life are all bomb sites. I have 9 weeks til bubs is born and right now I am in tears. Every room in my house is cluttered and needs a deep clean. I can't walk into a room without almost tripping on a toy or some other object. I'm so sick of tidying and cleaning then turning around two days later for it to be the same. It's impacting my relationship. My partner can only do about 20 minutes a day before his back gives out and he needs to sit down (he has a disability). There's no one that can come help me. Does anyone take any suggestions on how to fix this. Everyone says stop being lazy just do it but I just want to curl up in a ball and cry. I also have a 3.5 yr old to run around after too. Sorry to go on and on I'm just stuck.

ChefCasper Medication (SSRI) making me more anxious and mental breakdown
  • replies: 1

Hello i this is my second post i just did one about the heart problem but after having a panic attack i decided i needed to take medication again today is day 2 of me taking a low dose of meds (SSRI) but since i started taking them i have been having... View more

Hello i this is my second post i just did one about the heart problem but after having a panic attack i decided i needed to take medication again today is day 2 of me taking a low dose of meds (SSRI) but since i started taking them i have been having the worst anxiety in my life which just makes my heart problem even worse making my heart beat really fast then slow, it also made my anxiety so bad i started crying from all the stress about my heart and for no reason also having mental breakdown, it also made my very weak in the arm and i just feel so weak my mind is just racing and all i do i worry about my heart is this normal for meds (SSRI) i already took them already but never suffered this bad i don't know how much i can stand.