Immediate support
Immediate support

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.

Start a discussion

FAQ

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

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

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

View the guidelines
Jump to
Start a discussion

All discussions

Start a discussion

maglincer Difference between NDIS and disability pension
  • replies: 5

Hi all, Ive recently been trying to apply for the NDIS because of my severe depression, general anxiety disorder, misophonia, tourettes syndrome and OCD. I basically believe I have a psychsocial disability because of them, mainly the depression and I... View more

Hi all, Ive recently been trying to apply for the NDIS because of my severe depression, general anxiety disorder, misophonia, tourettes syndrome and OCD. I basically believe I have a psychsocial disability because of them, mainly the depression and I haven't even worked in 4 or so years because of it. Basically what I would like to know is is there any difference between the NDIS and disability pension or are they basically the same thing? Would I be better off applying for one over the other? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Wombatz Too embarrassed to ask for help
  • replies: 4

When you have been curled up in your bed crying for 2 days and can’t face the world how do you drag yourself to a doctor just to get a medical certificate for work? Can’t imagine facing my regular GP - I don’t want her seeing this side of me. What do... View more

When you have been curled up in your bed crying for 2 days and can’t face the world how do you drag yourself to a doctor just to get a medical certificate for work? Can’t imagine facing my regular GP - I don’t want her seeing this side of me. What do others do? Do you go to a random medical centre and tell them your sob story hoping they’ll believe you? I can’t even drag myself into the shower let alone out of the house! I can’t just take days off work without a certificate either

Scruffy1 When can my care plan be renewed?
  • replies: 1

Not sure if I can ask here but please help as I am getting confused and this is not helping my situation When can my care plan be renewed? I have used up my ten visits for the year but need more sessions. My therapist wants my doctor to give me more ... View more

Not sure if I can ask here but please help as I am getting confused and this is not helping my situation When can my care plan be renewed? I have used up my ten visits for the year but need more sessions. My therapist wants my doctor to give me more under allied health as I qualify for a chronic disease management plan which I haven’t used this year. doctor won’t give me a referral saying he can’t do it but says he can renew my MHCP on the anniversary of when I first got it and I don’t have to wait till the new year. is this correct? If this is the case I will only have to pay full amount for one or two sessions which will be great But i was under the impression I couldn’t renew it till January. I am paying for my next session and will pay for others to see me through the year if it can’t be renewed beforehand. thanks in advance for any advice

Dan-the-Downer Unsure of In-Patient program.
  • replies: 1

Hi all, My psychiatrist has recently recommended I go to the In-Patient program at Greenslopes. He has said it is anywhere from 2 to 5 weeks, and is a current serving and veterans facility only. (I think it is called the Keith Payne Unit, but the sit... View more

Hi all, My psychiatrist has recently recommended I go to the In-Patient program at Greenslopes. He has said it is anywhere from 2 to 5 weeks, and is a current serving and veterans facility only. (I think it is called the Keith Payne Unit, but the site only discusses the out patient programs) I can find a short blurb on it online but I have been unable to find any real info on the program. I'm unsure whether it is a good idea. I'm concerned about the impact on my family and work being away potentially for over a month.I'm trying to approach this like any other decision and do research, but in this case the anxiety of the unknown is leading my to shy away from it. Has anyone had any experience with the Greenslopes facility, or with In-patient programs?

Emily543215 Need help
  • replies: 4

I recently went to a mental instatution, got put on medication, its making me very aggitated, seems to just be making me worse. Ive felt really angry, more depressed then usual. Ive asked my doctor if i can see a therapist so i can be diagnosed prope... View more

I recently went to a mental instatution, got put on medication, its making me very aggitated, seems to just be making me worse. Ive felt really angry, more depressed then usual. Ive asked my doctor if i can see a therapist so i can be diagnosed properly, so i can be put on the right medication and can be helped the way i need which i think is therapy and medication. The doctor refused tho cause thats not part of my mental health plan.

supportiveother Inpatient in a Public Hospital
  • replies: 5

Hi all, Has anyone got any personal experience on what its like as an inpatient in a public hospital? Is therapy involved or is it mostly just medication and monitoring? How often do you see the psychologist etc? From what I can gather doing my own r... View more

Hi all, Has anyone got any personal experience on what its like as an inpatient in a public hospital? Is therapy involved or is it mostly just medication and monitoring? How often do you see the psychologist etc? From what I can gather doing my own research on hospitals in my area (Sydney) theres usually an acute ward and a ward for those staying longer and I was wondering if anyone has any experience as to whats involved with admission to either of those. My partners psychologist has recommended a hospital stay but he's hesitant to stay in an acute ward because those he's been to previously haven't really offered any psychological treatment and at the moment we can't afford a private hospital. Any and all information would be greatly appreciated. Kind regards, M

zac0 Not a real therapy, but something that has provided some help to my anxiety and depression: Authentic Relating
  • replies: 1

Hello all, Alright, so I don't want to come across as the new-age 'guru' laden in crystals and stinking of frankinsense, but I would love to know if anyone else has engaged in Authentic Relating and found it be cathartic or provide a relief of sympto... View more

Hello all, Alright, so I don't want to come across as the new-age 'guru' laden in crystals and stinking of frankinsense, but I would love to know if anyone else has engaged in Authentic Relating and found it be cathartic or provide a relief of symptoms. According to some literature (Johann Harii and Brene Brown) a lack of authentic communication and meaningful relationships could be a cause of the societal increase in mental health issues. Authentic relating involves using playful games to facilitate those exact values, and I'm wondering if anyone has any personal stories - either from AR or organically - about finding some form of relief by communicating without shame, etc, to someone deeply trusted. Sorry for rambling... I'm really interested in ways to create healthy communities, and considering running workshops in AR, but I'm just trying to work out if it could actually help people. Thanks for sharing! xx

Rsh88 Private or public?
  • replies: 2

For about a year I have been a patient in the public sector and I'm not really that impressed with my outcomes at present. Does any one have any experience with treating bipolar disorder in private practice vs public? Types of medication prescribed e... View more

For about a year I have been a patient in the public sector and I'm not really that impressed with my outcomes at present. Does any one have any experience with treating bipolar disorder in private practice vs public? Types of medication prescribed etc? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Ellu Diagnosis and professional help
  • replies: 1

I am 64 years old and have had bipolar disorder since I was 15, but I was not diagnosed and put on medication until I was in my 40s. Can you imagine what my youth was like? Wild mood swings, crippling depression and anxiety, mad sprees of mania, drin... View more

I am 64 years old and have had bipolar disorder since I was 15, but I was not diagnosed and put on medication until I was in my 40s. Can you imagine what my youth was like? Wild mood swings, crippling depression and anxiety, mad sprees of mania, drinking and drug-taking. I did not think there was anything wrong with me - I thought that was just my personality and suffered needlessly for years, in the process making a mess of my life. Since being diagnosed and put on medication I won't pretend that it has all been smooth sailing - I have had brief relapses requiring changes in my medications. Now I am watching my 28 year old nephew go through the same thing. It is so, so important to get an accurate diagnosis of your problem. And don't be afraid of medication - you wouldn't be afraid of taking antibiotics for an infection, would you? It is vital that you establish a close, ongoing relationship with a medical professional you can go to for advice and help if you need it. I would recommend going to a psychiatrist for the initial diagnosis and medication (if necessary). This can be followed up by counselling of some sort - being able to talk about your issues with a professional who cares is 50% of the treatment for psychiatric issues. For a psychiatrist you will get a medicare rebate. Different forms of counselling vary, and there are various treatment plans available - discuss this with your GP. It does not have to be ridiculously expensive. Please, please if you are suffering symptoms and issues which are interfering with your life seek help now. Don't put yourself through years of suffering as I did. It is a hard road, but there are helping hands along the way. I wish you all well, Ellu

Ames82 Daily support needed
  • replies: 2

Hi all, this is a little complicated and I’m still bit nervous to post but here goes... I am not in a good place right now. Severe depression and anxiety. My meds have been increased but it simply isn’t helping. My psychiatrist and psychologist are p... View more

Hi all, this is a little complicated and I’m still bit nervous to post but here goes... I am not in a good place right now. Severe depression and anxiety. My meds have been increased but it simply isn’t helping. My psychiatrist and psychologist are pushing for me to be admitted into a psychiatric hospital but I’m not up for that . I hide my illness to my family and friends for a number of reasons and my admission to a hospital would mean a whole part of my life unveiled which would come as a shock to them. I’m not ready for that. I have formal therapy once a week. At the moment this isn’t enough. I was recommended the mental health crisis team to check in but again it’s too hard to talk on the phone... I even have anxiety about taking phone calls so I avoid it . Problem is I really need some consistent support as it helps me give something to focus on and get through. Is there any other alternatives apart from a hospital admission. Is there a sms support around. I know there is online chats but I hate re explaining my story every day. I don’t know if any of this exists but I’m really trying to reach out . I have no safe family and friends and I’m in a dark place and I can’t get out of it.