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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guitarhwyrose Really struggling
  • replies: 3

Hi, I'm a long-time reader of the forum. Now in my desperate state, I can't really think of a better way to describe it than that, I am nervously reaching out in the hope that someone/anyone here can relate to me even if just a little bit. First of a... View more

Hi, I'm a long-time reader of the forum. Now in my desperate state, I can't really think of a better way to describe it than that, I am nervously reaching out in the hope that someone/anyone here can relate to me even if just a little bit. First of all I want to say that I've made an appointment with my GP to do a mental health plan. Unfortunately that appointment isn't until 10 Nov so I want to try and help myself between now and then. A bit about me:- I'm 38/f.- In a relationship which I am very happy in, my partner 41/m is amazing.- I have Type 1 diabetes which I've had for coming up 13 years. It has been badly controlled because I turn to sugar and junk food to make myself feel better. I have recently seen an endocrinologist who is great.- The rest of my family (younger sister, younger brother & my mother – no father on the scene for nearly 25 years) is riddled with mental health issues.- I used to be in excellent physical condition, athletic and sporty, and very sure of myself. Never had many friends during school and copped a bit of bullying at the start of high school. Made some good friends when I moved to Melbourne at the age of 18, and never had any problems making friends until I was about 25.- No longer have any friends at all.- My main issue is crippling anxiety which in turn has made me extremely depressed. I can't go out and meet people because I'm petrified that nobody will like me. I can't work or volunteer because I'm terrified that I'll be no good at it, stuff things up, and they'll get rid of me. Even though I know I have good qualities, I struggle to believe and don't believe that others will see them even though in the past I've been told by colleagues and bosses how good I am at my job and various other very nice things. One boss even said I was the company's most complimented staff member ever (by clients) and he didn't know how they ever got by without me.- I procrastinate, get bored easily and can't stick with anything. In the 19 years I've been in the workforce, the longest I have ever been in a job is eight months. Oh god I could probably type all night but will leave it here. Thanks and sorry to anyone who read this far. I know I'm not alone but I feel so alone in this.

Puglett Did you want to be 'diagnosed'?
  • replies: 8

Hello everyone, Lately, due to the difficulties I've been experiencing, I've had a strong desire to get a proper 'diagnosis' (beyond just anxiety and depression symptoms plus OCD). I feel like more could be going on with myself. Did you ever go throu... View more

Hello everyone, Lately, due to the difficulties I've been experiencing, I've had a strong desire to get a proper 'diagnosis' (beyond just anxiety and depression symptoms plus OCD). I feel like more could be going on with myself. Did you ever go through a time when you really wanted to be diagnosed? I feel it would help me understand myself. I was also wondering how much info is okay to take to a Psychiatrist appointment? I have gone through different (free online) assessments myself and would like to share my concerns and results with the Psychiatrist, I have actually collaborated 'heaps' of information to take. Thank you x

kelpom Son refusing to see Psychologist
  • replies: 2

Hi, first time here. I’m at the end of my tether. My 13 yo son has been getting screened for adhd etc. the psychologist keeps calling him back to do more tests or doesn’t look at the screening forms for weeks which I feel is prolonging things. My son... View more

Hi, first time here. I’m at the end of my tether. My 13 yo son has been getting screened for adhd etc. the psychologist keeps calling him back to do more tests or doesn’t look at the screening forms for weeks which I feel is prolonging things. My son has anger issues and is very rude when we go. I wasn’t expecting this many appts however I have to take him tomorrow. I feel he will refuse. It’s after school. She’s had everything I can give her. Is it acceptable for me to go on my own. if I want therapy for him I’ll make that choice. Right now I want the screening to be done. I was told 4 appt plus parent appt. It’s been 8 tomorrow I think. I understand but am getting frustrated. I am also seeking my own mental health help as I’m now extremely down with my own issues. thank you for listening.

shayne w Adult Adhd
  • replies: 5

Hello there is there anyone else who has adult adhd and would like to discuss how it effects their life and what treatment they feel works..?

Hello there is there anyone else who has adult adhd and would like to discuss how it effects their life and what treatment they feel works..?

Honeybee12 Intrusive thoughts consuming my anxiety
  • replies: 2

hi everyone I’ve recently had an intrusive thought ever since I heard someone tell their coming out story. I haven’t been taking my antidepressants regularly for 2 weeks, like not at all. There’s been no reason why and I had a panic attack in front o... View more

hi everyone I’ve recently had an intrusive thought ever since I heard someone tell their coming out story. I haven’t been taking my antidepressants regularly for 2 weeks, like not at all. There’s been no reason why and I had a panic attack in front of my partner. I’m convincing myself of things that aren’t true, but I question every single thing about myself right now. I’ve started taking my antidepressants, contraceptive (yaz) and a hormone tablet for my hair loss. I’m a hormonal, paranoid, anxious insomniac. When I feel great and ignore the stupid intrusive thoughts that scare me into questioning my whole being, I feel fine. it’s hard to speak about to others in my life as they don’t respond or know what to say. What are some strategies I can use to ignore these severe intrusive thoughts?

Wild_Westerner At what point in your treatment did you feel ready to face your fears?
  • replies: 11

Hi all! I've been in CBT treatment for about a month and have started to feel better about my work related anxiety. I had to quit my full time job in marketing due to the anxiety and am now planning to work in retail until I feel ready to return. I d... View more

Hi all! I've been in CBT treatment for about a month and have started to feel better about my work related anxiety. I had to quit my full time job in marketing due to the anxiety and am now planning to work in retail until I feel ready to return. I don't want to go back to suddenly as I'm afraid I will be overwhelmed again and all my progress will be lost. At what point of treatment did you feel ready to confront your fears or go back to what you used to do?

indesperation Treatment resistant depression
  • replies: 3

my 30 year old son has been suffering from treatment resistant depression for about 12 years and he has steadily declined. He has tried every treatment available and been hospitalised several times. He Now also gets anxiety attacks most days. My husb... View more

my 30 year old son has been suffering from treatment resistant depression for about 12 years and he has steadily declined. He has tried every treatment available and been hospitalised several times. He Now also gets anxiety attacks most days. My husband and I are at our wits end, we don’t know how to help him. Watching him suffer as he has over the last couple of years is breaking our hearts. He sees his psychologist twice a week, his psychiatrist about once a month, and his GP regularly. Our son needs more help than we can give him and we need help coping. Has anyone had a similar experience? Thank you

MsMJ TMS for adolescents/teens
  • replies: 1

Hello, My son (16) has been struggling with treatment resistant depression; and having tried about 4 different anti-depressants on different doses without much success, his psychiatrist is suggesting we look into TMS as a potential course of treatmen... View more

Hello, My son (16) has been struggling with treatment resistant depression; and having tried about 4 different anti-depressants on different doses without much success, his psychiatrist is suggesting we look into TMS as a potential course of treatment. I wanted to ask if anyone has had experience of TMS as a young person and what the side effects and outcomes were? My son would ideally be having it as an outpatient and I also wanted to understand any cost implications to be aware of (we have top private hospital cover). I would really welcome any feedback or suggestions. many thanks, a concerned mum

smidgen Treatment Resistant depression
  • replies: 3

Is there any discussion on this forum about treatment resistant depression or anyone who has experience with this condition who can give me advice?

Is there any discussion on this forum about treatment resistant depression or anyone who has experience with this condition who can give me advice?

Rupes79 Taking a break from therapy
  • replies: 6

Hi Everyone, I’ve been going through therapy on a fortnightly basis for around 18 months. I changed psychologists about 6 months ago as I felt the previous one lacked patience and was pushing me through too quickly. I like this one much more and have... View more

Hi Everyone, I’ve been going through therapy on a fortnightly basis for around 18 months. I changed psychologists about 6 months ago as I felt the previous one lacked patience and was pushing me through too quickly. I like this one much more and have a lot better rapport but feeling a bit fatigued from it all and wondering if it’s wise to have a break? I’ve felt a bit drained from recent sessions and thought I might be best to call it for this year and look at resuming in 2023. Can anyone offer any advice? Thanks