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Deckard Getting help for possible dysthymia, but months to see a psychologist. What to do in the meantime?
  • replies: 3

Finally took steps after a decade or more of feeling flat, down, dull and lacking joy. Saw a GP. Initial thoughts are dysthymia (seems to fit). I know I’ve picked a terrible time to finally do something about this with Covid affecting so many and men... View more

Finally took steps after a decade or more of feeling flat, down, dull and lacking joy. Saw a GP. Initial thoughts are dysthymia (seems to fit). I know I’ve picked a terrible time to finally do something about this with Covid affecting so many and mental health services taking such a battering (funnily enough, changes from Covid haven’t really affected my life), but my first referral has estimated April next year to actually see someone. What am I meant to do until then? I don’t really want to feel like this for another 6 months.

Here2Talk Thoughts on rejection by a psychologist
  • replies: 17

Hi all, Don't know why I’m posting. To simplify my back story, I have had generalised and social anxiety for most of my life. been through a few therapists, all of whom have been supportive, though only ever allayed my symptoms marginally... I went t... View more

Hi all, Don't know why I’m posting. To simplify my back story, I have had generalised and social anxiety for most of my life. been through a few therapists, all of whom have been supportive, though only ever allayed my symptoms marginally... I went to a clinical psychologist (drove 250kms to really try to sort myself out properly this time.... maybe.... and by halfway through a first session has said maybe I have add and that I shouldn’t her and to find a psychiatrist instead. Without going into my concerns here (simply because the story is lengthy), I don’t agree that there’s nothing she can do for me, she is seeing me for one more session to clarify. Yet part of me is conflicted and hurt- why would a “professional” - with two bachelor degrees and a master degree and a PhD abandon someone after - it was clear by half an hour into the first session that she was not interested.... Why can you not even pay people to talk to you? And why do I want to continue therapy with this person? Part of me is cognizant of how difficult and expensive it has been to set this up but I feel like almost I’ve been betrayed..... anyway... comment if you have thoughts

crepuscolo Grief and the HSC
  • replies: 8

Hey guys - first post here I'm not too sure what forum this classifies under, but here it is. My father passed away a month and a bit ago, while in the middle of trials. I am usually a high achieving student, but the past few weeks have been impossib... View more

Hey guys - first post here I'm not too sure what forum this classifies under, but here it is. My father passed away a month and a bit ago, while in the middle of trials. I am usually a high achieving student, but the past few weeks have been impossible to focus. Now, the HSC is 45 days away, and I have a big exam at the end of this month. I really don't know how to juggle the HSC and grief my dad and I were best friends so it hurts all the more. Thank you, and stay safe. C

Nelie Does hypnosis help
  • replies: 1

I have been reading that hypnosis can help those with depression and anxiety. Has anyone experienced this? My son refuses any other help so I am looking for anything that could possibly help. I would like to hear about others opinions on this. Thank ... View more

I have been reading that hypnosis can help those with depression and anxiety. Has anyone experienced this? My son refuses any other help so I am looking for anything that could possibly help. I would like to hear about others opinions on this. Thank you

contrarymary Changing to a new GP and finding a good one
  • replies: 1

I have been with the same GP for nearly 15 years as they were located near my work. I have now retired and looking for one closer to home. I have looked at a few in the area and their reviews. I asked a few local ones about getting an appointment to ... View more

I have been with the same GP for nearly 15 years as they were located near my work. I have now retired and looking for one closer to home. I have looked at a few in the area and their reviews. I asked a few local ones about getting an appointment to see a GP before I really need to see one. Three said I can have an initial appointment and the GP will decide if they want me as a patient. Went to first GP appointment said can't take me as a patient too many health problems! Second one said same, but I third one said will give me trial to see how often I need to attend. Is it the case nowadays where GPs only want easy patients with no complex problems. I can always go to after hours clinic but want a GP who I don't have to explain my health to each time. Anyone else had a problem with finding a new GP if they have complex health problems

StgCrw Emailing GP
  • replies: 4

Does anyone have any tips on how to go about composing a letter / email to a go prior to a first visit regarding depression? I’ve always struggled to talk about this sort of stuff in a face to face setting, so it seems like a good way to go, but not ... View more

Does anyone have any tips on how to go about composing a letter / email to a go prior to a first visit regarding depression? I’ve always struggled to talk about this sort of stuff in a face to face setting, so it seems like a good way to go, but not sure how get started. Anyone tried this? Interested to hear about anyone’s experiences good or bad.

NZthrower Are there any psychologists in Perth that deal with ex-cult members?
  • replies: 4

Hi everyone! I am currently dealing with the issues of leaving a cult and I would like to know if there are anysupports that specialise in dealing with cults and former cult members. I still feel psychologically gridlocked by the teachings of the cul... View more

Hi everyone! I am currently dealing with the issues of leaving a cult and I would like to know if there are anysupports that specialise in dealing with cults and former cult members. I still feel psychologically gridlocked by the teachings of the cult I used to be in, so any information would be nice. Thank you.

nevergiveup245 If you guys have been in therapy, how long did you go to sessions?
  • replies: 14

I have been in therapy with the same psychologist for two years now, going on the third year. I have multiple mental health conditions, and go about monthly. I am wondering how others’ experiences are. I sometimes wonder if it’s too long? If you all ... View more

I have been in therapy with the same psychologist for two years now, going on the third year. I have multiple mental health conditions, and go about monthly. I am wondering how others’ experiences are. I sometimes wonder if it’s too long? If you all are okay sharing your experiences, that would be great.

Deckard Preliminary diagnosis of Dysthymia. Anyone had success with particular treatments?
  • replies: 4

While i still need to see a psychologist for proper confirmation, I've had an initial diagnosis of dysthymia. Having read through the literature, it feels right. Low to mid level depression, has lasted years. Sadness and pessimism. Fatigue. Feelings ... View more

While i still need to see a psychologist for proper confirmation, I've had an initial diagnosis of dysthymia. Having read through the literature, it feels right. Low to mid level depression, has lasted years. Sadness and pessimism. Fatigue. Feelings of worthlessness and self-criticism. Trouble concentrating and staying focused. Irritability. Indecisiveness. Lost a parent when i was a child which is considered a possible trigger for this later in life. Also the belief that all of this is just part of my personality and who i am. I will look to continue following this up and trying treatment, but i was wondering if anyone has had this diagnosis and has had success with any particular treatments? CBT seems to be mentioned a lot. Possible low level medication. I worry CBT could hard for me to work through because I'm not the sort of person who believes you can just 'change your mindset' and everything will be ok.

Carebear86 Side effect - muscle twitching/cramps
  • replies: 2

Hi everyone, I started taking the lowest dose of an antidepressant 6 days ago for anxiety/panic disirder. I have been on this before but it was years ago and I can't remember what the side effects were. I am having the headaches, nausea, tiredness, i... View more

Hi everyone, I started taking the lowest dose of an antidepressant 6 days ago for anxiety/panic disirder. I have been on this before but it was years ago and I can't remember what the side effects were. I am having the headaches, nausea, tiredness, increased jitteriness and panic, hot flashes etc. But I am also experiencing constant muscle twitches and cramps in my feet, calves, hands and arms. I have had this for 2 full days now. Has anyone else experienced this side effect? If so how long did it last? It's worrying me a lot mentally as I am worried it is a sign of something worse wrong as it is not listed as a standard side effect that I could find. Thank you for your help