Support
Support

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.

Start a conversation

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Categories
Start a conversation

All discussions

Start a conversation

d_93 ECT treatment
  • replies: 1

Hi all, My mum is currrently receiving ECT treatment 3 times a week to help with her anxiety and depression. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on the procedure, knowledge or positive outcome stories from receiving the treatment. Any contribu... View more

Hi all, My mum is currrently receiving ECT treatment 3 times a week to help with her anxiety and depression. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on the procedure, knowledge or positive outcome stories from receiving the treatment. Any contribution is much appreciated and valued. d.93

To_be_FREE Naturopathy
  • replies: 3

Has anyone found naturopathic treatments aid the symptoms of anxiety? Or perhaps the anxiety is a side effect of low b vitamins or something? Just wanting different people's experiences, thanks

Has anyone found naturopathic treatments aid the symptoms of anxiety? Or perhaps the anxiety is a side effect of low b vitamins or something? Just wanting different people's experiences, thanks

ChristineS Looking for counselors/psychologists in Sydney
  • replies: 1

Having recently experience a traumatic loss, death of a sibling, I've often felt overwhelmed by the loss and feel it's best to now seek help for it. I was hoping to know if anyone would know of any reputable counselors or psychologists in the Sydney ... View more

Having recently experience a traumatic loss, death of a sibling, I've often felt overwhelmed by the loss and feel it's best to now seek help for it. I was hoping to know if anyone would know of any reputable counselors or psychologists in the Sydney Metro or Western Sydney areas. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

julesb31 Mental Health Care Plan - Better Access
  • replies: 2

Hi all, I have a bit of a dumb question about the Better Access plan. I've been getting a lot of conflicting information about when I can go back for another lot of 6 sessions. On the Department of Health website it says that medicare rebates are ava... View more

Hi all, I have a bit of a dumb question about the Better Access plan. I've been getting a lot of conflicting information about when I can go back for another lot of 6 sessions. On the Department of Health website it says that medicare rebates are available for 10 individual mental health sessions per calendar year. Am I right in understanding that a calendar year is January 1 - December 31? I got my Better Access plan in June 2016 and used up the 10 sessions by November 2016. I went to the GP in January this year and she said I was not eligible for any more subsidised sessions under Better Access until June 2017 (this year)? She gave me 2 sessions under another medicare number and thats all I've had all year (they are already used). I'm so confused about this whole process and I'm currently a student so I can't afford to pay over $100 to see my psychologist until the middle of the year. Can anyone shed some light? Thanks.

PixieBlue Psychiatric Help
  • replies: 1

Hi, I have had on and off severe depression for the last 6 years of my life and over the past year it has continuously gotten worse. I have been seeing the same psychologist for the past 2 years and I have had 3 different psychiatrists and they've al... View more

Hi, I have had on and off severe depression for the last 6 years of my life and over the past year it has continuously gotten worse. I have been seeing the same psychologist for the past 2 years and I have had 3 different psychiatrists and they've all been no help. My depression and anxiety got so extremely bad about 5 months ago and I was nearly admitted to a psychiatric ward at the hospital, but my mother refused to let me go. I am now 18 and able to make these decisions for myself, and I was wanting to know if I am able to just walk in to a hospital and admit myself, and if so, how do I go about it?

Like_a_diamond Withdrawal from medication - How long to expect symptoms to last
  • replies: 2

Hi all, First time posting, hoping there are others who may be able to share their experience and offer some advice. Have withdrawn from my SSR medication, 4 weeks ago was my final tablet. Very quick taper (3 weeks), for medical reasons. Have been on... View more

Hi all, First time posting, hoping there are others who may be able to share their experience and offer some advice. Have withdrawn from my SSR medication, 4 weeks ago was my final tablet. Very quick taper (3 weeks), for medical reasons. Have been on Anti Dep for roughly 6yrs. Having really bad withdrawals still - Brain zaps, muscle pain, sleep issues and mood changes). Am confident it is the meds and not a return of PND. Symptoms are worse when tired, and random 'bad' days. Have been taking vitamins to help (magnesium, evening primrose) and listening to meditation music etc before bed. I can't seem to find any pattern to indicate my brain is returning to normal. Withdrawal 'good' days still have symptoms - just milder, mostly they are hard to work through. Today I noticed I am feeling worn down from being tired/zapped and it is now afecting my thoughts. I feel guilty Im not able to do things like before (house chores etc), feeling hopeless. I know though it is just a matter of time before this withdrawal stops - and If I can keep focused on that - I can push through those negative thoughts. Has anyone else had prolonged withdrawal symptoms after quick ceasation - how did it affect you, and how long did it last? Did anything help? Any thoughts andencouragment from others who have successfully withdrawn are much appreciated ❤

Chyna_Page Coming off Antidepressants and Feeling Lightheaded and dizzy
  • replies: 1

With the doctors direction and friend and family support I have been coming off my antidepressants which I have been on for about 3 and a half years. for the past week or so I have been feeling very dizzy and lightheaded, is this normal or something ... View more

With the doctors direction and friend and family support I have been coming off my antidepressants which I have been on for about 3 and a half years. for the past week or so I have been feeling very dizzy and lightheaded, is this normal or something I should be more concerned about? Is there something I can do it lessen the feeling? Thanks for the help, time and advice!

Caity16 GP no help
  • replies: 3

Hi, Has anyone been to the GP and not gotten any help? I got to a point where I needed help. I couldn't get into my regularly doctors surgery for 5 days. I couldn't wait and so made an appointment somewhere else. I told the new dr i couldn't wait 5 d... View more

Hi, Has anyone been to the GP and not gotten any help? I got to a point where I needed help. I couldn't get into my regularly doctors surgery for 5 days. I couldn't wait and so made an appointment somewhere else. I told the new dr i couldn't wait 5 days and that's why I came to him. The dr told me he wouldn't want to do anything as he felt they would be stepping on toes, unless I was going to go regularly to their practice. this is the first time I have been to a dr about depression. Is this normal or did I just get a bad doctor? I'm worried about going to another dr.

Loula Done with bipolar medication
  • replies: 6

Done with bipolar medication I've been really trying hard to keep my bipolar at bay. I became really sick late this year on a holiday and my bipolar and anxiety had me acting out. I did crazy out there stuff and had anger depression tantrums. I actua... View more

Done with bipolar medication I've been really trying hard to keep my bipolar at bay. I became really sick late this year on a holiday and my bipolar and anxiety had me acting out. I did crazy out there stuff and had anger depression tantrums. I actually had panic attacks so bad I lost all feelings in my body and passed out 3 times at a gas station in central QLD and was rushed to hospital. Who the hell passes out from panic attacks. But I did kick my painkiller addiction while on holidays. 3 months clean! I decided to take action and the first pill I went on made me toxic. The second one hello 16 hours sleep and not being able to function. I'm now on a 3rd and I can see it's working. My anger has gone and my lows and high are still a bit to extreme but we are still adjusting the amount I should take. But I'm hating it. Everyday I can feel it clouding my brain. I can feel it changing my personality. I don't like it. I hate it!! I just want off. I just want to be me. I don't like this feeling. Is there anyone living a functional life with out medication? I'm more then happy to change my diet, do more exercise, talk to someone. I just can't do the pill life. I'm just really tiered and can't do it and hate hate hate hate hate being told your medication is no different to some one with asthma of diabetes. Um yes mine is because it messes with my brain.

Sunflowerrs Psychologist cancellation Fees
  • replies: 3

I had a really rough 24 hours, spent hours on the phone to lifeline and was nearly taken to hospital..Today I didn't feel up to seeing my psychologist, so I explinaed what happened & cancelled the appt. she's charged me with a $60 late fee?? I didn't... View more

I had a really rough 24 hours, spent hours on the phone to lifeline and was nearly taken to hospital..Today I didn't feel up to seeing my psychologist, so I explinaed what happened & cancelled the appt. she's charged me with a $60 late fee?? I didn't do anything wrong, and I don't understand why they would charge for something like that, when it's outside of my control? This seems really dumb

As an organisation that supports people from across Australia, Beyond Blue acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present.

First Nations Peoples are advised that this website may include reference to and images of deceased persons.

Beyond Blue is committed to safe inclusive spaces, policies and services for people of LGBTIQ+ communities and their families.

Helpful information

Stay in touch

Sign up below for regular emails from Beyond Blue, filled with information, advice and support for you or your loved ones.

Stay in touch

Talk it through with us, we'll point you in the right direction.

Call 1300 224 636

24 hours / 7 days a week

Chat Online

24 hours / 7 days a week

Email us

Get a reply in 24 hours

Copyright © 2026 Beyond Blue Ltd

All rights reserved

Contact us Terms of use Privacy policy Site map