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Leets Pre Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder
  • replies: 5

Hi just wondering if there is anyone else here that's heard of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder I am pretty sure this is what I have so every time I ovulate and then the week leading up to that time is when my anxiety kicks in the ovulation time is th... View more

Hi just wondering if there is anyone else here that's heard of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder I am pretty sure this is what I have so every time I ovulate and then the week leading up to that time is when my anxiety kicks in the ovulation time is the worst I really cannot rationalise my thoughts. I have started an over the counter behind the counter medication (I don't need a script for it) it's the strongest I can have is a all natural and takes six weeks at least to kick in, I have nearly done week 2. My doc says he wants to see me go through 2 to 3 cycles before referring me to a specialist I'm hoping this works and would love to hear from anyone else with this same problem. I'm sick of thinking I've got an incurable torturing terminal illness!!!

MakeTheWorldABetterPlace Navigating mental health services
  • replies: 2

I feel like I've been slighted yet again. Am I 'not sick enough' to be deserving of attention? I'm not currently in the Emergency Department. I have just booked an appointment with a psychiatrist for 2.5 months time. WTF?! Admittedly, the Acute Care ... View more

I feel like I've been slighted yet again. Am I 'not sick enough' to be deserving of attention? I'm not currently in the Emergency Department. I have just booked an appointment with a psychiatrist for 2.5 months time. WTF?! Admittedly, the Acute Care Team yesterday felt comfortable enough to close my case (I was admitted to hospital for an overdose last week). Still, psychiatrists are obscenely expensive and barely available. This does not bode well for continuity of care. Plus how are they supposed to get to know me? It's just not possible unless you are exceedingly wealthy. Psychiatrists may cry poor as a specialist but they're still getting for the first consult about what someone on DSP gets to live on for a week. It's disgusting and shameful. Because I have to work within the situation as it is I can expect to be treated with an added degree of caution and suspicion. This is just going to make my life harder than it needs to be. Like GPs have become more available, affordable and accessible (at least in my experience where my medical centre now bulk bills), psychiatrist's need to become more available, affordable and accessible. We need to increase the supply of psychiatrists despite likely resistance from vested interests. Working within the status quo... Does this simply mean that psychiatrists are actually just rarely engaged with? I guess this is the outcome that results. Still for medico-legal issues (e.g. claiming insurance benefits and claiming government benefits) these are the people who are held in high regard and yet would probably not know you that well. It's frustrating and I'm well aware I'm probably in a better financial situation than many people. I'm getting an inkling as I navigate through my own mental health roller coaster that my GP is someone how will be my more immediate and regular advocate or source of support. At my medical centre there has been a very high turnover of GPs until just recently. Things seem to have stabilised... I haven't really had much to do with them until now. But now I seem to be there a few times a week. I'm keen to hear how others navigate treatment etc...

Maggie69 Cognition issues
  • replies: 2

I am in my mid forties and have suffered from depression for approx. 10 years. During that time I have seen several GP's who have referred me to Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Neuroligists etc. I have used three different ssri's on three seperate occa... View more

I am in my mid forties and have suffered from depression for approx. 10 years. During that time I have seen several GP's who have referred me to Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Neuroligists etc. I have used three different ssri's on three seperate occasions and although they have worked reasonably well I discontinued each time due to side effects which I am no longer willing to tolerate. After ten years I am at the point where I can manage the psychological side of the illness through CBT, Meditation, exercise and keeping myself active even when I don't feel like it. What I am left with is reccuring bouts of depressive episodes that I can handle quite well apart from the cognitive issues. I lose the ability to read and think clearly and it drives me insane. I know that I could go back on Anti-Depressants but I would rather not due to side effects. Is anyone else in the same boat and figured out how to cope? Ny suggestions would be appreciated ☺

Morgsy Rehab centres SEQ
  • replies: 5

My husband's in need of rehab with alcohol abuse biggest battle right now. Attempted suicide in January, been a roller coaster ride since then. On depression and anxiety medication, has been adjusted a couple of times. But the need for alcohol is his... View more

My husband's in need of rehab with alcohol abuse biggest battle right now. Attempted suicide in January, been a roller coaster ride since then. On depression and anxiety medication, has been adjusted a couple of times. But the need for alcohol is his biggest battle, believe using when depression overwhelming. He believes he cant be helped and no one can help him. When you see them suffering so much internally you can understand why they want to give up. He's had to give up his job so surviving on my below average wage with kids is a battle. I think rehab is our last resort. Hoping to get an appointment with dr tomorrow to discuss.

heymisterteejay Starting the conversation
  • replies: 2

One of the pages suggests to speak with your GP first to get a mental health plan. I've spoken with my GP about various illnesses etc before, but this one is a bit harder to explain. I dont even know how to put it in to words. Does anyone have any ex... View more

One of the pages suggests to speak with your GP first to get a mental health plan. I've spoken with my GP about various illnesses etc before, but this one is a bit harder to explain. I dont even know how to put it in to words. Does anyone have any experience in that first discussion with a GP? Do I just go in and say - I feel anxious?

JKLM Pregnancy and Antidepressants
  • replies: 5

Hello, Just wanting to know if anyone has any experience or advice about pregnancy and use of antidepressants I am currently trying to taper off medication in preparation for starting a family. Jess

Hello, Just wanting to know if anyone has any experience or advice about pregnancy and use of antidepressants I am currently trying to taper off medication in preparation for starting a family. Jess

Anon79 Do I have to see a psychiatrist?
  • replies: 4

I’ve been battling depression and anxiety all of my life. A few years ago I was prescribed meds and had to go to a psychiatrist as a part of my mental health plan. The psychiatrist did more harm than good. He filled my head with thoughts that I hadn’... View more

I’ve been battling depression and anxiety all of my life. A few years ago I was prescribed meds and had to go to a psychiatrist as a part of my mental health plan. The psychiatrist did more harm than good. He filled my head with thoughts that I hadn’t had before. Eventually I went off my medication as I took up running and found life was great, my bad days were lower and life was good. This last year however I have been battling. I’m constantly tired, I hate being social, and i’m quick to anger. However I am scared to death of seeing a psychiatrist again. I feel I need medication again but I will not go there again. Do I have to see a psychiatrist to access medication to give me support? Just asking you guys is a big step for me.

Beetle Had Independent Medical examination by psychiatrist today for workcover . Feeling humiliated
  • replies: 17

Hi After this hour of exam I feel so humiliated as they strip your soul and you leave totally empty. ANyone ad those examinations done? I hope my emotional state gets approved as I spiraled down big time after the accident at work. I was fine before ... View more

Hi After this hour of exam I feel so humiliated as they strip your soul and you leave totally empty. ANyone ad those examinations done? I hope my emotional state gets approved as I spiraled down big time after the accident at work. I was fine before even though I had depression 5 years ago. I do think they try to wiggle out of their responsibility because of my depression in the past? I don't know. I hope not!! anyone had similar experiences? xx

Tweet-Heart Clinical Psychologist - privacy guidelines around sensitive information clarification please...
  • replies: 31

I have just started seeing a clinical psychologist, he told me about privacy which I understand. However, I want to discuss some sensitive information and provide him with sensitive documents that I don't want other people or third party agencies to ... View more

I have just started seeing a clinical psychologist, he told me about privacy which I understand. However, I want to discuss some sensitive information and provide him with sensitive documents that I don't want other people or third party agencies to know about. I called AHPRA today and they referred me to the APS Code of ethics which is a legally binding document. However, I am still uncertain about whether a clinical psychologist can retain a sensitive file and less sensitive file. I am just concerned about third party agencies like Centrelink, insurers, worksafe etc finding out about sensitive information that is not relevant and then using that against me. I just feel that people should be able to consult with professionals without having to worry about this kind of thing. I also don't want him to keep an electronic file. Maybe I should discuss this with him at our next session, any advice would be appreciated.