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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.

Meowface Antidepressant weight gain
  • replies: 5

Hello - does anyone have any tips or experiences losing weight after being on antidepressants? Ive gained over 10 kilos in 12 months. I’ve been off the meds for about 4 months but haven’t lost any of the weight yet. I really thought it would shift ea... View more

Hello - does anyone have any tips or experiences losing weight after being on antidepressants? Ive gained over 10 kilos in 12 months. I’ve been off the meds for about 4 months but haven’t lost any of the weight yet. I really thought it would shift easier! I’m trying to be more active with walking and have joined a gym. It’s the diet that I find hard - so many ideas and mixed messages out there about what’s best!! Thank you for reading.

Ace_Of_Spades Adjustment Disorder???
  • replies: 4

So, I was diagnosed with Adjustment disorder three years ago based on a stressor that occured three years before hand. Correct me if I' wrong but, isn't adjustment disorder supposed to come on within three months of the stressor and pass after six? N... View more

So, I was diagnosed with Adjustment disorder three years ago based on a stressor that occured three years before hand. Correct me if I' wrong but, isn't adjustment disorder supposed to come on within three months of the stressor and pass after six? Not begin three years after and not pass after six years? I don't know why my diagnosis hasn't changed and I don't know how to bring it up with my Doctor. Just looking for advice and some solid facts about the disorder, need to know if I'm not understanding something correctly.

Krater Seeing a psychologist with a background in allied health care
  • replies: 7

I am looking to go to see a psychologist soon. My GP appointment is scheduled this week to formalise a mental health plan. I am feeling apprehensive to see a psychologist as the past month I have been completing a mental health placement as part of m... View more

I am looking to go to see a psychologist soon. My GP appointment is scheduled this week to formalise a mental health plan. I am feeling apprehensive to see a psychologist as the past month I have been completing a mental health placement as part of my degree. I have been trying to use appropriate interventions like breathing and mindfulness and exercise and diet and basically everything I have been recommending to other people. I feel like if I go to a psychologist I will be hyper aware of their clinical thinking and session plan as I have been a part of it myself. the same thing happened when I spoke to my placement supervisor about being overwhelmed by my current situation. And she wasn’t lovely and receptive but told me exactly what I thought she would (to make sure to eat right, exercise, do something for stress relief each day and speak up if I am still feeling this way). I just don’t know how much more there is to offer. has anyone experienced something like this or something similar to this? Any advice or reassurance is welcome.

Needsmotivation Drop in clinic & counselling advice
  • replies: 2

Is there such a thing as a drop in clinic in Sydney? I tried counselling but mentally trying to put my problems (concerns) in buckets, putting holes in buckets, filling cups up, boxes etc was not for me as I couldn’t relate and gave up. I need help b... View more

Is there such a thing as a drop in clinic in Sydney? I tried counselling but mentally trying to put my problems (concerns) in buckets, putting holes in buckets, filling cups up, boxes etc was not for me as I couldn’t relate and gave up. I need help but don’t know where to go.