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little_pepper Therapy subsidization
  • replies: 4

Hi All Like many people here i receive 10 subsidized sessions through the Better Access scheme. I am working through some complex trauma and depression and it is absolutely laughable to say that 10 sessions is all i need. I have looked through the ne... View more

Hi All Like many people here i receive 10 subsidized sessions through the Better Access scheme. I am working through some complex trauma and depression and it is absolutely laughable to say that 10 sessions is all i need. I have looked through the net for other possible subsidization and have found something called ATAPS (access to allied psychological services) and also chronic disease management. I was just wondering if anyone out there is using either of these schemes in addition/instead of better access. I've talked to my GP a nurse and my psychologist if they knew anything other then Better Access and they don't really know. i'd appreciate any feedback. all the best -little pepper

chickidee techniques to control thought patterns
  • replies: 6

I suffer from anxiety and depression, am on meds, and have done the whole healthy living thing which did really work. but I have hit another bad patch, feel like crying all the time, am snappy at my children but most of all I constantly have negative... View more

I suffer from anxiety and depression, am on meds, and have done the whole healthy living thing which did really work. but I have hit another bad patch, feel like crying all the time, am snappy at my children but most of all I constantly have negative thoughts. what strategies have you done to try and change these negative thoughts into positive ones. I know everything I complain about is in my head but I don't know how to change the pattern. Thanks in advance

photogirl I don't know how to get help through therapy and am resistant to medication
  • replies: 2

Hello all, I've been going to therapy on and off since I was 13, I am now 23. I've been on antidepressants for the past two years but have found sometimes they cause more harm than good and approx a year ago I was diagnosed with Borderline Personalit... View more

Hello all, I've been going to therapy on and off since I was 13, I am now 23. I've been on antidepressants for the past two years but have found sometimes they cause more harm than good and approx a year ago I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, I'm aware this is more a place to talk about anxiety and depression which are currently my two main concerns. I'm a photographer but have recently needed to defer from my final year as it's gotten to the point I can't care about anything and I don't find any beautiful or interesting enough to photograph. I feel disconnected, I still go to therapy but I feel as though it's so much more complex inside my mind. When I research art of any kind nothing appears any different to anything else, everything lacks importance and if I feel anything it feels as though I'm lying to myself and it will soon pass and I'll forget having felt strongly about anything. I lack empathy for other people, I just don't know how to connect, I don't trust anyone and just seem to be in wait for disappointment. I have no family around as I moved interstate for my course and I live alone. I just want to know if anyone can suggest something that may help? I'm still involved in doing things, I am volunteering at events and I go out and I see my friends but I just feel like nothing matters to me and I don't understand the emotional fluctuations I go through and how they relate to who I actually am, I feel lost. I'm not confident in any of the decisions I make or anything I think. Everything feels debatable. Someone please help me

UnhappyinTas Side Effects of Antidepressants
  • replies: 5

Hi, can anyone shed some light on whether they had side effects? I have been taken medication now for only 4 days, which I know is early days. But I have luckily been in the office on my own for that - as I have actually felt so tired I have slept on... View more

Hi, can anyone shed some light on whether they had side effects? I have been taken medication now for only 4 days, which I know is early days. But I have luckily been in the office on my own for that - as I have actually felt so tired I have slept on the work couch for 2 hours each day as I have so exhausted. I am ok when I wake up - and actually waking early (around 5am) but going to bed around 9pm as well. I also have nausea - I would swear I was pregnant! I am unable to eat either as I have no apetite (that bit doesnt worry me) and no headaches (as my Dr suggested might happen). Plleeassee - did anyone else have these same symptoms? It says in the leaflet that these symptoms are normal - but thetiredness bit is the worst as it will effect my job once my boss is back and I dont want to have to explain why! I have the next 4 days off work, am hoping by then it might all settle down.

ThisCarl Can we have a conversation about Duty of Care and the abuse experienced in hospital psych wards?
  • replies: 3

Hello all, I just wanted to get others input here. Hopefully, we can come up with some ideas on how we can make this better for people. Recently, I have heard story after story of people who have decided to call health services, or have had a family ... View more

Hello all, I just wanted to get others input here. Hopefully, we can come up with some ideas on how we can make this better for people. Recently, I have heard story after story of people who have decided to call health services, or have had a family member or therapist call health services, as they have been unable to cope. Police are usually involved who often treat the individual, who is already in a very dark place, as a criminal. Often they are cuffed and locked in a paddy wagon for 'the officers protection'. There have also been a lot of instances of police verbally abusing and ridiculing these people. Accompanying this are stories of patients being locked away in psychiatric wards before they are 'processed' usually alone, without support and sometimes with other patients who maybe violent or stressed themselves. Often this only amplifies the bad thoughts the individual feels and they end up not receiving the proper help and attention they need as they simply wish to leave the hospital as soon as possible. This ultimately makes individuals less likely to ask for help as they feel they may risk being sent back to the psychiatric ward. A good example of this is the first and most highest rated question on this site: http://www.beyondblue.org.au/connect-with-others/your-questions-answered I think it might be good for us to have a conversation about this problem and maybe even think of a way to approach those in charge with ideas on how to treat people with mental health issues who are in distress. If you are up to it you could post your stories here too - good or bad. Looking forward to hearing from you all

ThisCarl Meds and psychology wont help. Have to leave my job. No idea what to do.
  • replies: 4

Hi all, So despite the actions of my GP my depression is getting worse and worse and worse. No treatment is helping, pharmaceutical or psychological. I feel I can no longer support myself by working and will be finishing up my job soon. So what can I... View more

Hi all, So despite the actions of my GP my depression is getting worse and worse and worse. No treatment is helping, pharmaceutical or psychological. I feel I can no longer support myself by working and will be finishing up my job soon. So what can I do? I just dont know what to do or where to go. Its so frustrating. If I had a broken bone or appendicitis or something I would just go to my doctor to get help and have a few days rest. But this doesnt seem possible with depression, even though its gotten so bad I can no longer work because of it.

Badluck Major Depression - Medications versus healthier options
  • replies: 8

Hi everyone.This is my first time posting.I've been dealing with a lot in my life. I had a rough violent childhood. I was brought up to not cry as a child. The more you cried, the more you got hit. Parents never believed in showing signs of affection... View more

Hi everyone.This is my first time posting.I've been dealing with a lot in my life. I had a rough violent childhood. I was brought up to not cry as a child. The more you cried, the more you got hit. Parents never believed in showing signs of affection.Left home when I was 19 with the shirt on my back and started a life of my own.I recently had been fired after being verballyabused almost daily from an employer. I took one sick day in 5 years after being sent to hospital with my stress. This caused me to lose my job as I got dismissed the same day. After months of grief I have tried putting this behind me. My family and I have lost our family home, my company belongings including a car, and we are living off one income while I try and recover. I feel lost like I'm having a midlife crisis. I have gone from a professional in-control person to one that struggles with day to day activities or keeping concentration for short spans of time. I blame myself for the mess we are in and am not sure how to gain my focus back, to provide myself with goals and stop being an angry depressed person. It's not helping the family life. My wife has been trying to support me for the past few months (although she has been doing it for 19 years now) but we are both struggling with the amount of medication I am being prescribed by the psychiatrist. I have received up to 8 different types of tablets in the last several months. All seem to provide severe memory problems, shaking, hot and cold sweats, loss of sexual appetite (which doesn't help relationships), sleeplessness and violent tendencies with suicidal thoughts. It's funny that the tablets that are prescribed to help you, cause more issues. I'm searching for alternate solutions please. I'm trying acupuncture with massage that seems to help a little. I've thought of volunteering with organisations that work with child abuse victims thinking that it might help me vent what I've been through and assist others but don't know how to get into this. The psychiatrist is only interested in tablets and not discussing my issues. Psychologists have cried every time I've had a session and I've had 4 individuals so far. I take every vitamin under the sun to prop me up but it also isn't helping.If anyone has any ideas I would be willing to give it a try. I've tried outdoor activities the other day but was assaulted by another man so I've since become a little more depressed.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.

Natarsha I was feeling down about my weight and figured it was from 13.5 years of anti-depressants so I weaned myself off them.....
  • replies: 7

but now I'm feeling teary, lethargic and hard on myself for letting myself go from my ideal weight of 65kg to over 75kg. I did the gym for 8 months with a personal training and restricted my food but my weight did not budge. I was depressed about my ... View more

but now I'm feeling teary, lethargic and hard on myself for letting myself go from my ideal weight of 65kg to over 75kg. I did the gym for 8 months with a personal training and restricted my food but my weight did not budge. I was depressed about my weight before coming off the meds, how do I now find the will to tough out the fragility I feel now that I have come off my meds? Is there an adjustment period I need to get past?

Myshelle Difference in AD meds
  • replies: 7

Firstly I would like to say hello , I only joined your forum this morning. I have spent quite a time reading here and see much support and information. My question, what is the difference between serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) and norepinephr... View more

Firstly I would like to say hello , I only joined your forum this morning. I have spent quite a time reading here and see much support and information. My question, what is the difference between serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI) I ask as my Dr changed me from the SSRI to the SSNRI, however because I had to take a few days break between the change and did not feel too bad I chose not to start the new med. Personally for me I feel now I have made the wrong decision as 3 weeks on my depression and anxiety symptoms are worsening by the day. I hesitate to take that first tablet, I question myself could this pass without it ,though I am not feeling very positive on that thought. I have been on AD Meds for 30 years so I am no stranger but I was feeling no benefit from my old brand which is why my DR changed me. Thank you

Alaric retreats for depression
  • replies: 1

I need some assistance with retreats within Australia for depression. A friend is looking at one employing the Fountainhead method and want to charge 16k for 21 days. Can someome please assist with any information, good or bad to assist in making the... View more

I need some assistance with retreats within Australia for depression. A friend is looking at one employing the Fountainhead method and want to charge 16k for 21 days. Can someome please assist with any information, good or bad to assist in making the decision. Thanks in advance

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