Treatments, health professionals and therapies

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Barbie2005 Doctors can be annoying - help!
  • replies: 7

So, I’ve got a GP that is sooooo annoying! He won’t listen to my symptoms, usually physical, or brushes them off! I know this sounds rude, but seriously. I’ve been having lots of pain since I was 5, and she just says “they will pass in a couple of we... View more

So, I’ve got a GP that is sooooo annoying! He won’t listen to my symptoms, usually physical, or brushes them off! I know this sounds rude, but seriously. I’ve been having lots of pain since I was 5, and she just says “they will pass in a couple of weeks” or “it’s just growing pains” or something like that. I recently got very annoying with some of these pains, so I googled them to see what it could be and what I could do about it. I discovered that they could possibly be something life threatening(of course, I’m not sure. I’m not a doctor!). I have a doctors appointment in a week or so, and I have an entire notebook of pains and things wrong with me. So, what I was wondering if anyone here has any tips on how to ask him about these things in a way that he might consider it could be anything serious? He refused to diagnose me with Hypermobility Syndrome because he said it wouldn’t make a difference. Thanks!

BrendenFlea Should I find another therapist?
  • replies: 3

Hi, I'm new here. I've been recently seeing a therapist for my anxiety, depression and other issues. Just had my third session today, and to be honest I feel like I don't gel with her at all. My first session was really confronting. She asked some re... View more

Hi, I'm new here. I've been recently seeing a therapist for my anxiety, depression and other issues. Just had my third session today, and to be honest I feel like I don't gel with her at all. My first session was really confronting. She asked some really personal questions, some that I would never even would consider answering if a close family member or friend asked. It really made me evaluate myself as a person and how the things in my life have shaped me into what I am today, it was hard not to cry. Second session was worst. She was asking me all these questions about my upbringing and school life. One question she asked that really stood out to me was 'Why did you decide to go to this private school?' I told her because all my friends were going, and it seems like a prestigious school. Then she asked a follow up question, 'Whats wrong with public school?' I told her 'nothing, private just has more opportunities.' And somehow she comes to the conclusion that I am a snob, and I am better than everyone else?! How can I think that I am better than everyone else when I have self conscious issues? I grew up in a poor suburb, my parents are of working class back ground, which I am fortunate enough and grateful they've allowed me to attend such a great school. I couldn't help but feel offended, but I made it look like I was agreeing with her, even though I know deep down inside I am not a snob. I feel as if she's dominant in a conversation. When ever I give an answer, she seems to twist my words and distort my views even further. Third session today was ridiculous. She started 10 minutes late and my appointment only went for 40 minutes (supposed to be a full hour). She was reading through my notebook of my thoughts and how I've been feeling during the week. Again, she brings up the idea of me being snobbish, because I wrote about how I was nervous approaching my GP about my mental health, and getting a mental health plan, because I thought they would have no idea about the subject. She assumed that I think a specialist is better than a GP, and somehow a GP is inferior? Of course a specialist is better in terms of skill, but as a human they are equal! She then continues to waffle on about other examples, like how an architect is no better than a plumber, and how I am not special. LOL WHAT? I never said I was special. Where does she get these ideas from? Sorry for the rant. I have a lot to share and wasn't sure how to express it. Should I find someone else?

Chickenhead What is a psychologist meant to do?
  • replies: 2

I went through a really difficult time a few years ago and after speaking with my GP was given a mental health plan for anxiety. I went to a few sessions with the psychologist attached to the practice but felt so bored. She would ask basic questions ... View more

I went through a really difficult time a few years ago and after speaking with my GP was given a mental health plan for anxiety. I went to a few sessions with the psychologist attached to the practice but felt so bored. She would ask basic questions followed by how it made me feel, and that was about it. I feel I have a very complex history and she just didn't seem interested in finding out about it. I had already developed my own coping strategies, so she didn't offer any other guidance. I gave up going back. I then found a psychologist that specialised in female autism and had several sessions with her. I went through the testing and she confirmed I met the criteria for diagnosis. We went through some coping strategies but I chose not to get an official diagnosis. The sessions were solely focused on autism. Its now several years on and I'm becoming aware how much my history effects my every day life. I suspect I would meet the criteria for autism, depression, anxiety and ptsd, but I have no idea how I would go about finding someone who would actually talk to me at length and care to work through everything. It just seems too difficult to go through it all, and my experience is they hear some of my story, say how sorry they are and ask if I'm coping, and completely miss the fact that the situation I've just relayed is just the tip of the iceberg. And just because I'm not having panic attacks this week, it doesn't mean my life is no longer effected... It means I've become Masterful at avoiding triggers. How are the sessions meant to work? Do they focus on what's happening here and now, or do you talk about your history and how that effects you?? I would like to actually talk to someone about all my history and how my current situation has developed as a consequence, but is that even necessary once they've come to a diagnosis? If they knew it all, they may see how unhealthy my current circumstance has become and be able to work on fixing what's broken in me so I can do better than just "coping" strategies.

BoxaGuy Diagnosed with Adult ADHD at 40 Male
  • replies: 3

Hi all As the title says. Process to diagnosis took years for various reasons, I always knew something was wrong but couldn't figure it out. Occasionally id see a GP and be prescribed anti-depressants or referred to different types of counselors, phy... View more

Hi all As the title says. Process to diagnosis took years for various reasons, I always knew something was wrong but couldn't figure it out. Occasionally id see a GP and be prescribed anti-depressants or referred to different types of counselors, physiologists and from memory one or two psychiatrists. At around 39 i needed the issue sorted so i committed to getting it done. First step was to get a GP close to home to see regularly, i spoke to her about the issues and asked for a referral to see a psychiatrist, I gave my reasons and she agreed, during this time she also referred me to see a clinical physiologist, with the physiologist i visited with him ten times Visiting the psychiatrist for the first time resulted in the usual, depression with some anxiety and a script. I returned to my GP discussed the results and asked for another referral to see a psychiatrist, again she agreed, also another referral was made to see a clinical physiologist. This process continued until the third visit with the same psychiatrist, where he stated ADHD and referred me to another psychiatrist who specializes in that area. On seeing the ADHD psychiatrist he diagnosed me with Adult ADHD and like anyone with some sense I spent hours and hours researching it as much as I could and my conclusion was the same, spot on. I’ve now been prescribed medication and have been taking them for around the past 10 months along with regular visits to the ADHD psychiatrist. So far I’m not sure whether the meds will help or not, at first I felt they were but now I’m thinking it was me that was making them work being optimistic and positive, both emotions are hard to replenish if possible after setbacks. To get to this stage has taken a lot of faith and energy, both of which I have very little of now and I’m starting to worry, that’s why I’m here, looking for some help or advise on how to engage/consult with the ADHD psychiatrist. I can’t think of a better way to put it, it’s like dealing with a real estate agent or car salesman trying to palm of a product. I just can’t get the thought out of my head that the better he is at his job the poorer he’ll be. So cost is an issue for me. How much do I pay before I go broke or give up? What I should discuss with him to not waist time? How long do I keep seeing him for and how often? The cost would be fine if I knew the outcome had a good chance of being positive, as I stated faith and energy are very low and im not sure how to proceed.

JayW Workers Compensation - reimbursement for treatment and approved treatment types
  • replies: 8

Hi, I'm new to the forum and I'm just after some advice on people's experience. Firstly, moderators if this isn't the correct section of the forum to post I apologise and could it please relocated if in the incorrect spot. I have been diagnosed as ha... View more

Hi, I'm new to the forum and I'm just after some advice on people's experience. Firstly, moderators if this isn't the correct section of the forum to post I apologise and could it please relocated if in the incorrect spot. I have been diagnosed as having anxiety/depression by my GP back in February 2016 but it has been going on since early 2014. The primary cause for the diagnosis has been a series of workplace incidents leading to a mental illness. i have submitted a claim for workers compensation and I'd like to know which treatments and/or services can be reimbursed. I am seeing a clinical psychologist which I'm sure will be reimbursed. However, due to my illness I have put on in excess of 20kg in the last 2-3 years, which has led to being diagnosed with sleep apnea and requiring a cpap machine and a susceptibility to physical illnesses such as infections and migraines. I guess my real question is: Can I claim reimbursement for a nutritionist, personal training/gym to get my weight and physical health under control? From the reading I have done there is a credible link between mental health and weight gain, and weight gain and deteriating mental and physical health. My view point is my workplace caused a mental health illness, that illness caused unwanted physical side effects. So I should be able to get assistance with the side effects? Any help would be appreciated, either official or your own experience. thank you.

agobella Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
  • replies: 2

Hi Everyone Has anyone ever had the above treatment. It does say that it is used for depression, nothing about treating anxiety. Would be interested to hear thoughts from people who have had this type of treatment. Sera

Hi Everyone Has anyone ever had the above treatment. It does say that it is used for depression, nothing about treating anxiety. Would be interested to hear thoughts from people who have had this type of treatment. Sera

Suet suet Wrong charge from a psychologist. Should I report this ?
  • replies: 4

Hello, I have recently logged into MyGov Medicare and viewed my claim history. I found that my psychologist has charged me an extra session which I did not attend the counselling session. It was charged on the 1st Nov and I did not see her that day. ... View more

Hello, I have recently logged into MyGov Medicare and viewed my claim history. I found that my psychologist has charged me an extra session which I did not attend the counselling session. It was charged on the 1st Nov and I did not see her that day. In addition, she had charged in one other ocasdion (previously) where the session was taken place other than a consulting room - the rebate she got was higher than the normal consulting room at $84. I understand that it won’t affect me as she billed me. i wonder if i should report this?! I have the gut feeling that she did that on purpose knowing that I won’t be able to use up all the 10 sessions this year. I have used 5 sessions with her so far. Any advice or comments would be great - thank you Cheers, suet suet

timmy123 School holiday + Christmas time = very stressful
  • replies: 2

Hello, I registered this forum yesterday and tried to connect with people who understand mental challenges that moms face.... i am a mother of 2x little primary school kids. With the school holiday starting this week, I feel that my depression is als... View more

Hello, I registered this forum yesterday and tried to connect with people who understand mental challenges that moms face.... i am a mother of 2x little primary school kids. With the school holiday starting this week, I feel that my depression is also starting to knock my door and visit me! This is because my kids would need to have some play dates with her classmates! I am frightened to meet other mums / dads. Even thought most of the time I just drop them off and go I still have to come in and chat a bit. This worries me so much. I worry even the night before the dates ! Christmas is also a very stressful time for me. one of the reasons is that i am scared of meeting a group of people! Social anxiety is dragging me so much... can someone plese give me some tips how to overcome this feeling or make it less shocking!? Thanks timmy So I do not know if I should seek professional advice about depression.

Browngirl16 Psychology does not seem to be helping.
  • replies: 5

Hi, I have recently started seeing a psychologist, but I don't think it is helping me. I have had anxiety for about 4 years now, but only acknowledged that it was anxiety for the past year. I had panic attacks, but my family just thought I had breath... View more

Hi, I have recently started seeing a psychologist, but I don't think it is helping me. I have had anxiety for about 4 years now, but only acknowledged that it was anxiety for the past year. I had panic attacks, but my family just thought I had breathing issues until I had a major panic attack and they took me to see our family GP. My GP instantly recognised that I have anxiety and depression and wrote me up a mental health care plan. She also referred me to a psychologist, however even with the medicare rebate, her fees were quite high. My dad found a free psychology service through his workplace and I will have my fifth session tomorrow, but I haven't felt any different or better since visiting. Would my sessions with her be based off of the health care plan if I did not have a referral from my GP for that psychology service? Also, am I able to visit any psychologist with my health care plan regardless of the referral from my GP? I also wanted to ask how I should approach my GP about starting medication as another option, could someone please provide some tips as to how to start this conversation? Thank you

Burdy Psychologist / counselor questions and fears
  • replies: 11

Hi everyone, I have been hanging around the forum for a week or so now and am finding it very useful and generally feel a lot better after venting in a thread, thank you all. During this time it is has occurred to me (and been mentioned by my hubby a... View more

Hi everyone, I have been hanging around the forum for a week or so now and am finding it very useful and generally feel a lot better after venting in a thread, thank you all. During this time it is has occurred to me (and been mentioned by my hubby a few times) that I may need to see a psychologist or counselor, I feel like I have so much stuff inside that I need to get out. My issue here is I have a bit of fear around this due to past experience. My mother was always derogatory about people with mental illness, "stress, depression, anxiety etc is a man made disease" and "he/she just needs to toughen up and get on with it" type attitude and I recall these things being said ALOT. There was also a time once when she gas lighted me, tried to have my ex convinced I was nuts and told me I could not have my son unless I went to counseling (my husband and I had separated, I asked her to look after my son for the night while he and I sorted a few things so as not in front of my toddler son, next day went to pick him up at the arranged time and she refused to hand him over and gave me the counseling ultimatum) so I went but of course it was a counselor she chose and after only 2 sessions I found out the counselor had reported to my mother everything I had said in the sessions and I was in big trouble. So now I am a bit hesitant to see someone but I know I probably need to speak with someone trained to deal with my issues, absolutely no offence to anyone here you have all been wonderful but I think I also need a professional, maybe. Also what is the cost usually? Affordability is also a concern (or excuse maybe) Thank you again Burdy