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Bluepearl3 Weaning off anti-depressants.
  • replies: 5

Hi, I am hoping to get advice on weaning off anti-depresesants. I have been prescribed many different anti-depressants over the past 34 years. I was in an unhappy marriage but felt that I couldn't leave as I had two small children.. There was mental ... View more

Hi, I am hoping to get advice on weaning off anti-depresesants. I have been prescribed many different anti-depressants over the past 34 years. I was in an unhappy marriage but felt that I couldn't leave as I had two small children.. There was mental and emotional abuse, controlling behavior but no physical abuse so I stayed. I started anti-depressants, which helped me to cope. Ten months ago, after 46 years of marriage I finally left my husband. The problem is that I don't feel any enthusiasm or excitement for my new life. I have attempted to stop the anti-depressants twice in the past. Once while I was still with my husband which didn't work out because I became angry as I was still in the unhealthy relationship. The second time was 4 months ago, however I found that I reacted impulsively to a situation with my daughter-in-law, who I thought was being selfish about a certain situation whilst I was staying with her and my son. Rather than stay and talk about it I packed my bag and returned to my new home before they arrived home from work. Normally I would have just kept quiet, which is what I have always done. I desperately want to stop the anti-depressant as I feel that I can't enjoy my new life if I feel flat and unenthusiastic all the time. I have had a lot of sadness and grief in my life but I just want to be able to feel happy. I would appreciate any help, perhaps from someone who has been able to stop their anti-depressants.

Angel_Blue GP Mental Health Plan -
  • replies: 2

I went to my GP to obtain a GP Mental Health Plan to seek support with coping strategies with a therapist I was very upset about what he wrote which accompanied the GP Mental Health Plan.I am changing to a new GP. Can the new GP re-issue the GP Menta... View more

I went to my GP to obtain a GP Mental Health Plan to seek support with coping strategies with a therapist I was very upset about what he wrote which accompanied the GP Mental Health Plan.I am changing to a new GP. Can the new GP re-issue the GP Mental Health Plan again to the same therapist if I have not attended any sessions yet? Thanks. Look forward to hearing from you

Chibam Real Help For Non-Disabled People
  • replies: 1

Does anybody know where a person can go to get real help for the problems that make them depressed, suicidal, ect.? (i.e. not just "talking about feelings", but real resolutions to the problems). The mental health system, as far as I can assertain, i... View more

Does anybody know where a person can go to get real help for the problems that make them depressed, suicidal, ect.? (i.e. not just "talking about feelings", but real resolutions to the problems). The mental health system, as far as I can assertain, is just a spectator industry. They'll "listen" to you whine, they may even medicate you, but they won't fix the problem(s). As I understand it, they even have a "golden rule of therapy" which formally forbids them from actually helping their patients. In recent years, I've been somewhat optimistic about the rising usage of the super-ambiguous terms "psychosocial disability" and "psychosocial support" from the government and other big organizations. Early indications were that it was going to fill this massive void for people who need actual help with their problems. But tonight, having just read a much clearer definition of "psychosocial disability", it seems that this support system is only open to people who have a preexisting mental illness. So, where does that leave non-disabled, non-mentally ill people who desparately need help with their problems? I shudder to think this, but it's starting to seem like, even after all the government inquiries we've had over these recent years, there is still no actual help available for regular, non-mentally ill, non-disabled people who really need it; and worse yet, it seems as if there aren't even any foreseeable plans to create this sort of assistance on a nationwide scale.

scully78 Schizophrenic brother denying illness and refusing NDIS and expecting us to pay his rent
  • replies: 5

Hello, I have a 40 yr old brother with schizophrenia who lives by himself in a renal flat. He struggles to find and hold down a job and cannot afford to pay his rent. My older sister decided to pay his rent a couple of years ago and soon decided we s... View more

Hello, I have a 40 yr old brother with schizophrenia who lives by himself in a renal flat. He struggles to find and hold down a job and cannot afford to pay his rent. My older sister decided to pay his rent a couple of years ago and soon decided we should split it evenly, as it was too expensive for her on an ongoing basis. The plan was to get him into the NDIS, which would mean his rent would mostly be covered and he could get the support he needs. He has been in a state of delusion for at least 2 years now and has no motivation to find a job, but seems to be having fun with life.A year ago, I decided to pull out of paying his rent. He was showing absolutely no interest in taking his meds or getting help to improve to the point where he could hold down a job. He refuses to accept he has a medical condition and thinks we are trying to get him into a CIA "program" as per his delusions. So, anything we do to get him medicated, he thinks is our attempt to get him into this program. We had him hospitalised, but he charmed his way out of being admitted and also managed to fool the community care to leave him alone. He is refusing any help and seems to get a thrill out of beating us at this "game". I received a call from my sister today who is struggling financially as his rent has gone up and she wants financial assistance with his rent. She earns well, but is feeling the pinch with the cost of living increasing and his rent increasing as well. She didnt want to listen to anything I had to say, just that she needs help with is rent and if I want to pay, it would help her. This vicious cycle has no end. She and other siblings, dont want him to end up living in community care facilities, whereas, I think it would be good for him. He would have access to proper support and this endless cycle of paying his rent that is destroying the family will come to an end. I have been pretty outcast since deciding to stop paying his rent a year ago and I do not want to be sucked into this again. There is no end!!!What options do we have with a man that refuses his condition, does not want to be part of the NDIS, and doesn't care that he is draining my family financially? He is very unwell, can be hard to talk to and has been in this state for too long. We cannot get any help and ive had enough of this!

1958 Bi polar depression
  • replies: 1

My son suffers with BP 1 he had a 4 month manic episode and is now very depressed. He is currently taking medications which aren’t helping with his depression. He has been depressed for 2 and a half months and seems like he is numb. Feeling so scared... View more

My son suffers with BP 1 he had a 4 month manic episode and is now very depressed. He is currently taking medications which aren’t helping with his depression. He has been depressed for 2 and a half months and seems like he is numb. Feeling so scared for him.

JoshD My GP should not be allowed to be involved in Mental Health Assessments
  • replies: 2

Ive had a horrible experience with my GP. I had some regression in my mental health and have been trying to get a new referral for my Psychiatrist to get my medication reviewed as it had been over 2 yrs. ADHD & Bipolar 2 diagnosis for reference.When ... View more

Ive had a horrible experience with my GP. I had some regression in my mental health and have been trying to get a new referral for my Psychiatrist to get my medication reviewed as it had been over 2 yrs. ADHD & Bipolar 2 diagnosis for reference.When I arrived I was berated for booking a short consult as I would need a full Mental Health review, I assumed the bad mood was due to me missing a previous appointment. I wasn't sure why i needed a full review but In the haze of depression I wasn't very assertive so just went along.. I felt rushed and that I was a burden the whole time. At the end the Dr asked me if there was anything else going on while i was there. I said yes actually and showed her a cyst that I had come up on my upper buttock.. She again berated me saying this would need another full consult, i got embarrassed and said dont worry but she said no just show me. When I left and went to pay they asked me for $280! She had charged me for a full MH review and another full consult without telling me. Silly me left without the referral, admin saying they will forward it.I called over a dozen times asking for them to send it the referral to the psych, every time they assured me it would be done but the psychiatrist continued to say that they hadn't receive it. I finally went into the Dr's to get it and take it myself only to be told that she never actually did one, when i asked why the response was "you didn't ask for one, you only wanted one for the psychologist". I pointed out that a psychologist doesn't prescribe medication and it was supposed to be for my psychiatrist, admin said they would get it fixed up. After hearing nothing back from the Dr and the psychiatrist saying they hadn't received anything I called again only to be told that she refuses to do another referral for me unless I come in for another consult. This whole process has been going on for over 6 months, luckily my psychiatrist accepted the one from 2 years previous somehow bless him.I have made a complaint to the fair work commission but I seriously wish there was a way to name and shame these GP's.

Glasshouse6 How to get help
  • replies: 6

I’ve had depression/anxiety symptoms for at least the last 17 years.I’ve had multiple mental breakdowns and built myself back up.im medicated and it kind of helps. I’ve tried going to physiologist and that wasn’t super helpful. lately my anxiety has ... View more

I’ve had depression/anxiety symptoms for at least the last 17 years.I’ve had multiple mental breakdowns and built myself back up.im medicated and it kind of helps. I’ve tried going to physiologist and that wasn’t super helpful. lately my anxiety has gotten so bad it’s making we question everything.I’ve been to three doctors, my medication isn’t really working anymore, I’ve been referred to a psychiatrist but the first available appointment I can get anywhere is October. I just want someone to help me. I don’t want to be like this. I feel lost and defeated that no matter how proactive I am I get no where. The mental health situation is a joke. Has anyone been through something similar what did you do? How do you fix yourself when no one can help

emi1111iii Any experiences with EMDR?
  • replies: 2

Hi, this is my first post. I'm trying EMDR soon for my C-PTSD, and I was wondering if anyone has tried it or has any advice? I don't quite know what to expect or whether it'll help, but I'm hopeful

Hi, this is my first post. I'm trying EMDR soon for my C-PTSD, and I was wondering if anyone has tried it or has any advice? I don't quite know what to expect or whether it'll help, but I'm hopeful

AuthenticallyEevee Can I arrange inpatient treatment in advance?
  • replies: 2

Hi,I am looking at a voluntary admission to an inpatient mental health unit. However, due to a few work/uni commitments, I would like to hold off for a week or so. Can I arrange this in advance, or would I need to wait until I'm ready to go and then ... View more

Hi,I am looking at a voluntary admission to an inpatient mental health unit. However, due to a few work/uni commitments, I would like to hold off for a week or so. Can I arrange this in advance, or would I need to wait until I'm ready to go and then arrange my stay? I'm in NSW. Thanks in advance

Natalie22 Mental health treatment plan
  • replies: 5

Hi.I just have a question about a MHTP please.I am already seeing a psychologist who I don't g need a MHTP for but he said it may be helpful from my gps perspective for billing, care and filling in questionnaires etc.But he also said that I do not ne... View more

Hi.I just have a question about a MHTP please.I am already seeing a psychologist who I don't g need a MHTP for but he said it may be helpful from my gps perspective for billing, care and filling in questionnaires etc.But he also said that I do not need a referral as I am already seeing him (no cost).Is it worth getting the plan and having it on my record)?Thank you