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.

FAQ

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

Forums guidelines

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

All discussions

Lyana dilemma to take or not to take
  • replies: 6

my depression came back ever since my papa passed away 2yrs ago.my dr sent me to councelling and told me to take my med again the one i took 6yrs ago which i stopped after a yr of treatment. Now the med is on my benchtop, i worry to take it thinking ... View more

my depression came back ever since my papa passed away 2yrs ago.my dr sent me to councelling and told me to take my med again the one i took 6yrs ago which i stopped after a yr of treatment. Now the med is on my benchtop, i worry to take it thinking how am i going to wean it off and side effects as dr said i need to be on it for a longer time..like for the rest of my life maybe..after reading the forum about doses will be increased after a period of time creep me as our body got immune with the old dose..will my body be worse off, weaken and easy target for other illness as immune system is no longer as strong as they used to be...i just want to be happy and healthy like a normal person ro my kids n hubby can see that ..

chucky33 Is an SSRI the way to go?
  • replies: 2

Hi guys, Im currently in the midst of a nasty Bipolar Depression with dirunal variation (symptoms worse in the morning) I am on 1250 mg of one mood stabiliser, and 1000 mg of another. I got so bad on Friday my pdoc eventually agreed to adding 5mg of ... View more

Hi guys, Im currently in the midst of a nasty Bipolar Depression with dirunal variation (symptoms worse in the morning) I am on 1250 mg of one mood stabiliser, and 1000 mg of another. I got so bad on Friday my pdoc eventually agreed to adding 5mg of an SSRI antidepressant. (He's been hesitant in the past for fear Ill go manic) Its only been 2 days but I feel more tired than I did before....???!!!! Has anyone else had this experience and what are your views on using an SSRI in general? Also I havent told my employers about my condition. At this stage, they think its a virus. I'm hesistant to tell them as I don't plan to stay in the job for much longer. Any advice would be wonderful. Hope everyone is ok.

chucky33 WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO TAKE THE DOSE?
  • replies: 2

Has anyone had debilitating tiredness from medication that they've had to take time off work? Im currently on a split dose (1/2 in the morning and the other 1/2 at night) My pdoc said to take it all at night to avoid the tiredness during the day!?! H... View more

Has anyone had debilitating tiredness from medication that they've had to take time off work? Im currently on a split dose (1/2 in the morning and the other 1/2 at night) My pdoc said to take it all at night to avoid the tiredness during the day!?! Has anyone ever heard of this before? He also said by doing this it may limit the munchies during the day. Fingers crossed.

Pixie15 Misdiagnosis and medication
  • replies: 2

Hi, I am wondering what effect depression medications (esp. SSRI's) might have on someone who had been misdiagnosed and did not actually have depression. I have searched online and checked out the side effects list but can not find anything that spec... View more

Hi, I am wondering what effect depression medications (esp. SSRI's) might have on someone who had been misdiagnosed and did not actually have depression. I have searched online and checked out the side effects list but can not find anything that specifically addresses this question. With thanks, Chris.

Shock What to do when therapy and medications isnt working (treatment resistant depression)?
  • replies: 4

So, I think it was Einstein who once said 'Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results'. Well, I must be insane. My depression just wont seem to budge. I've been to about 14 different therapists now. and tried... View more

So, I think it was Einstein who once said 'Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results'. Well, I must be insane. My depression just wont seem to budge. I've been to about 14 different therapists now. and tried probably as many medications. There are no changes. Whenever I try to seek help from my GP or similar people its always the same: "Its a shame that therapist/medicine didnt work. Why dont your try a new one." I feel like screaming at them "Look, its not working! Stop wasting your time and my money!". Is there anything I cant try, short of ECT, that will actually work?

Carla Good GP in Frankston
  • replies: 4

I'm looking for a good GP in Frankston, someone who knows what they are talking about when it comes to depression and anxiety, please help!

I'm looking for a good GP in Frankston, someone who knows what they are talking about when it comes to depression and anxiety, please help!

Juan9537 Please someone help me
  • replies: 2

I have been struggling with depression and obssesive compulsive disorder since two years ago... But not until this summer i decided to look for help. I started my psychological and psychiatrist treatmeant two months ago. I take for my first time an a... View more

I have been struggling with depression and obssesive compulsive disorder since two years ago... But not until this summer i decided to look for help. I started my psychological and psychiatrist treatmeant two months ago. I take for my first time an antidepressant, but it didnt work, then I changed to another, but it also didnt work. Now Im starting a new one, and i have noticed a litlle changes like im having more energy now, but the bad thing is that emotionally I still feel empty, sad and numb. My psychiatrist told me to be patient, but I cant. Can someone please tell me what is going on with me? Or can suggest me an effective treatment in orden to talk with my psychiatrist about it? Well thats all. Please dont leave me alone with this, and dont let me down! Thanks for your help! Bye!

Phillip Further Help
  • replies: 3

After over two years with a psychologist,psychiatrist and an anti depression medication (SSRI group), it still feels like it isnt doing much at all and this is my third medication and about my sixth increment of dosages. Where can you go for further ... View more

After over two years with a psychologist,psychiatrist and an anti depression medication (SSRI group), it still feels like it isnt doing much at all and this is my third medication and about my sixth increment of dosages. Where can you go for further help, because this isnt enjoyable for a lot of the time, and it is becoming more frequent. Would appreciate anything!!

mongrel Medication no longer seems to be working.
  • replies: 3

Hi people, I've been on the same medication for about 5 years now. A combination of three different meds, however of late I've been having many many days of suicidal thoughts. I haven't had anything that has changed in my circumstances and can't expl... View more

Hi people, I've been on the same medication for about 5 years now. A combination of three different meds, however of late I've been having many many days of suicidal thoughts. I haven't had anything that has changed in my circumstances and can't explain this sudden downturn in my emotions. it scares me because I was doing so well on this mix of medication, having tried different mixes for years. I just want to feel good again and don't know how. this has been the first place I've found where I can discuss my problems having no psychiatrist or psychologist as I live out the bush. hopefully someone can advise me of something.