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

rat17 Psychologists
  • replies: 1

I want to know how many ppl out there diagnosed with depression and PTSS when seeing there psych that he or she at times annoys you that much you wonder why your there. Or at times you question your own self that much that your really not sure what i... View more

I want to know how many ppl out there diagnosed with depression and PTSS when seeing there psych that he or she at times annoys you that much you wonder why your there. Or at times you question your own self that much that your really not sure what is right?

matt Need urgent advice
  • replies: 2

I have a case of treatment resistant depression. Lately its been horrendous where I lost the plot and considered self harm the other day. I contacted lifeline and they recommended I call an ambulance. I didn't, mostly because of the cost (I have no h... View more

I have a case of treatment resistant depression. Lately its been horrendous where I lost the plot and considered self harm the other day. I contacted lifeline and they recommended I call an ambulance. I didn't, mostly because of the cost (I have no health insurance). Right now I feel numbness but I dont know how long before I have a severe attack again.I need extreme treatment as in transcranial magnetic stimulation and if I have no success with that then Electroconvulsive therapy. Ive tried every anti-depressant. The problem is I am currently out of work and have no insurance. I can afford insurance but Id to wait 2 months before I can use it. Do you know if its possible to start treatment immediately under these circumstances? I really dont think Ive got 2 months in me.Thanks. beyondblue’s clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636. Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}

snowleopard What does a 'good' psychologist session feel like?
  • replies: 4

Hello I'm new here and unsure how this works so here goes... I have recently been seeing a psychologist for my GAD and panic disorder. I feel comfortable with her and for some reason in my sessions it's like a switch flicks over and I am super positi... View more

Hello I'm new here and unsure how this works so here goes... I have recently been seeing a psychologist for my GAD and panic disorder. I feel comfortable with her and for some reason in my sessions it's like a switch flicks over and I am super positive even when talking about things that are hard for me. She's commented on my apparent progress but if anything I feel like I lose all that momentum from the session when I get back into real life and am worse than ever. I will admit I'm probably not practicing her techniques as much as I should be... But I want to know how to tell if seeing a particular psychologist is working and a session is 'good'? With only 6-10 sessions on Medicare a year I'm worried I'm not making the most of it, but changing therapists might be worse... Hope this makes sense to someone. Many thanks

Bridei Weird first experience with psychologist
  • replies: 4

I'm finally getting some help for my depression - my GP has approved the 6-10 sessions with a psychologist under Medicare. I decided to see the pyschologist at my GP's practice, mostly for convenience.But my first session was really strange. Some of ... View more

I'm finally getting some help for my depression - my GP has approved the 6-10 sessions with a psychologist under Medicare. I decided to see the pyschologist at my GP's practice, mostly for convenience.But my first session was really strange. Some of her (I won't name her) suggestions were practical and helpful, but then I noticed that she muttered a few words under her breath. She said she was doing some work at an 'energetic level'. She then asked me to write down a mantra, which made very little sense (she said it didn't matter if I didn't understand it).I've now googled the mantra and discovered it's from a group (cult)This is weird, right? I've had some past, bad, expereinces with a spiritual group & I'm really not interested in going down that path again. I just want some practical, evidence-based help.I feel quite disheartened at the thought of having to start over and find a new psychologist. I'm not really sure how to go about finding a good one - any suggestions and feedback are welcome.

awrt Anxiety medication
  • replies: 6

Hi, I have been suffering from anxiety for the past couple of years. I have just started a new job which has been very stressfull over the past week and has made my anxiety even worse. I saw my GP last week and he has prescibed my some medication for... View more

Hi, I have been suffering from anxiety for the past couple of years. I have just started a new job which has been very stressfull over the past week and has made my anxiety even worse. I saw my GP last week and he has prescibed my some medication for the anxiety. This is the first time I have taken medication for my anxiety - which is making me even more anxious. Has anyone else used an SSRI for anxiety? I have been feeling average over the weekend and have taken work off today again becasue of the side effects of the drug. I am also worried about what my boss at work is going to say as he is unaware that I suffer from a mental illness.Thanks for listening

dudu87 I require information please, on how to cope better with anxiety.
  • replies: 4

I have a little bit of difficulties at the moment dealing with thoughts, which now are obsessive. To the point I worry every day. I see a psychologist, a few actually, they've helped, but my main psychologist that I see now is quite busy, and I rarel... View more

I have a little bit of difficulties at the moment dealing with thoughts, which now are obsessive. To the point I worry every day. I see a psychologist, a few actually, they've helped, but my main psychologist that I see now is quite busy, and I rarely get to see him, he's always booked out. Anyway, I would just like some ideas if I may, please.. On what to do. Would someone kindly please explain (with example) in detail exactly what to do with CBT I'd like to try it. I really want to get through this. I believe I can. Thank you in advance, my friends. I hope you have a fantastic day/afternoon/and/or night.

myvroses How to cope with switching counsellors?
  • replies: 3

I finally began seeing a psychologist last year after years of anxiety, self-loathing and denial. She was the first person I opened up to about my mental health. I felt safe and comfortable with her and I began to feel better with the help of medicat... View more

I finally began seeing a psychologist last year after years of anxiety, self-loathing and denial. She was the first person I opened up to about my mental health. I felt safe and comfortable with her and I began to feel better with the help of medication and just generally trying to change my perspective on things that upset me. Unfortunately, she had to leave the clinic because of obligations to her hospital job. She highly recommended another counsellor to continue therapy. I thought I could do it, but I was apprehensive at the thought of having to open myself up to another person who might not be as understanding as her. It's been about a month since my last session and I feel myself slipping back to my old ways and it worries me. I know I should go back to my GP and get a new referral. It doesn't help that my mother wants me to stop therapy altogether and wants me to get off the medication, which I've resorted to taking in secret. I want to change. I just don't know how to deal with the change.

lucy657 SNRI dosage halved. Struggling with depression and anxiety.
  • replies: 5

My partner was on max dose of SNRI med, he has taken this med for over 8 years. There are several side effects that were becoming increasingly difficult to live with (body temp, always sweating, sleep disturbance and libido issues) So he went to GP a... View more

My partner was on max dose of SNRI med, he has taken this med for over 8 years. There are several side effects that were becoming increasingly difficult to live with (body temp, always sweating, sleep disturbance and libido issues) So he went to GP and they halved the dose. We have since found out that this GP has never read his file, or history. His employer has been great, and supported him through several hospital admissions in the past, and sick leave etc. They have sent him to a psychiatrist for a 'fit for work' review, the report has since been sent to his (useless) GP. The psychiatrist hinted at a full review, looking towards a medication change. My partner has a GP appointment tomorrow, and will ask for a referral to a psychiatrist for this review. My concern is that his anxiety has streadily increased over the paat few weeks, he is more stressed and depressed than ever... he has attempted suicide previously and I feel that his immediate mental health is not safe. Is there something that the GP could prescribe to help out in between now and the psychiatrist appointment? Should he go back up to the original (max) dose of the SNRI? Unfortunately I'm away for the weekend so not able to go with him today. Thanks x beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636.

damnit medical psychiatry
  • replies: 1

Hi I was just wanting to ask if anybody has had the same issues as me when it comes to the medical side of psychiatry. To start off ill tell you a bit about myself. I was badly injured 10 years ago and have been unable to find work since. I suffer fr... View more

Hi I was just wanting to ask if anybody has had the same issues as me when it comes to the medical side of psychiatry. To start off ill tell you a bit about myself. I was badly injured 10 years ago and have been unable to find work since. I suffer from multiple health problems including chronic pain along with damage to multiple organs that restrict my life. I have had 6 operations in the last 18 months and there are more planned. About 4 years ago I was diagnosed with depression by my GP. I was tried on a couple of different medications without success so I was sent to see a shrink. I was tried on a multitude of medications (Approx 20) and every time they didn't work my "Diagnosis" was changed. After around 18 months to 2 years and having been on a couple of trials, one being for TMS and the other for a randomly assigned drug I was dumped by my shrink and kicked off the drug trial. I had a meeting with a very prominent Psychiatrist who was involved in the trials who told me the reason I couldn't find work was because "I didn't try" I had worked my backside off to finish my advanced diploma and I couldn't believe what I had heard. I had been told that the reason I had dizzy spells and was always tired was due to depression. This diagnosis was later changed to vertigo due to nerve damage in my ears due to childhood infections and sleep apnoea which was not helped by the 40kg's I put on taking antidepressants. I was not tested for these things despite a family history and they wanted me to have ECT. After being told for years that I had a chemical imbalance in my brain I had a look into the science behind this claim on the advice of a neurologist and was shocked to find that this theory has never been shown to exist. I cant believe I was sucked in like this. I was also appalled to find that my psychiatrist has been on the payroll of three different drug companies and didn't disclose it to me. I am not suggesting that depression and anxiety aren't real, I live with them every day but as far as I can see the medical side of things is wrong. The reason I feel like I do is because I have no prospect of ever getting work, I am in constant pain and I am isolated from the real world by my health. I have been trying to get proof that I had an illness from my psychiatrist and have now had to go to the ombudsman to gain access to my records. I cant be the only one that has dealt with this

nomad463 Antidepressant withdrawal
  • replies: 4

I have a massive history with drug and alcohol abuse just to complicate things abit. But basically I have been on some form of antidepressant for the last 10 years. Mainly ssri's and snri's.I am 6 months clean again off drugs and alcohol and stopped ... View more

I have a massive history with drug and alcohol abuse just to complicate things abit. But basically I have been on some form of antidepressant for the last 10 years. Mainly ssri's and snri's.I am 6 months clean again off drugs and alcohol and stopped an antipsychotic like a month ago. But more recently I stopped an ssri about 5 days ago. What I'm mainly concerned with is the fact my head hurts. I'm feeling stressed out and almost violent at times. Of course I'm getting other withdrawal affects. But being agitated and aggressive and my head hurting when trying to function and think. Well these things are worrying me the most.Has anyone else had this after stopping antidepressants?? How long did it last? Did it get better or was it permanent???Also were there any good supplements that helped??sorry for the messy post but head is hurting trying to put these words together properly.

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