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JackM Trouble finding clinical psychologist willing to deal with Centrelink
  • replies: 3

I live in Sydney city, and I am having trouble finding a clinical psychologist willing to deal with Centrelink in terms of writing out the Centrelink forms for my DSP application. My previous CP has long since moved to Melbourne, and I had not been o... View more

I live in Sydney city, and I am having trouble finding a clinical psychologist willing to deal with Centrelink in terms of writing out the Centrelink forms for my DSP application. My previous CP has long since moved to Melbourne, and I had not been on Centrelink at all for 6 years (even though I was still unwell). The problem is not finding a CP willing to affirm my issues, but finding one that will have anything to do with Centrelink at all. Any ideas where I can find a CP willing to do this?

Avarael Trying to decide if medication the right action
  • replies: 4

Firstly I'm not expecting medical advice, just looking from insight from people who have been down this road before. I had a crisis a few months back that was related to schooling and career. I was referred to go to a GP and after describing my long ... View more

Firstly I'm not expecting medical advice, just looking from insight from people who have been down this road before. I had a crisis a few months back that was related to schooling and career. I was referred to go to a GP and after describing my long term issues and recent exacerbation of symptoms she referred me to a psychotherapist and prescribed me anti depressants. I had mentioned that I felt birth control had helped me to manage my emotions and she wanted to see if I could improve on this. I felt I had been put on antidepressants too quickly (after one consult) and was very frightened of the side effects in a time where I couldn't risk being any worse than I was. I took advice from a couple friends and my mum and never got the script filled. I visited a psychotherapist twice who I didn't really find that helpful. She didn't really have appointments when I needed them and focused on one issue without exploring other stuff which I just couldn't bring up. The "Adjustment disorder" was resolved though living through the situation and she continued to focus on anxiety with techniques like de escalating myself when my anxiety didn't feel like the issue anymore. She also wanted me to fill out my time with activities and while I've tried to do that and it has helped, I'm still struggling. I'm now a few months past that and my longer term issues with depression have become a problem again with loneliness, focusing, and getting things done at the forefront. I've also had a breakdown in my support network so I have no one to confide in beyond small talk. Im booking into the psychotherapist again but what I've really been considering is starting medication after all. I can't stop thinking about that script I have. If I went to the GP and described my symptoms I know she'd start me on it. It's not a cure all but I don't need to be at my peak right now which gives me time to get over initial issues. I'm just worried about using it when there might be other actions I can take to combat the depression. I've been trying mindfulness and volunteering but I don't think I'm doing enough. I often rely on alcohol to unwind, my diet is poor, I've felt distant from friendships and family despite trying, and I don't manage my time well in regards to getting school work done etc which leaves me more stressed. Does anyone have any advice on how they made the decision to start antidepressants? Did they try other methods first? Any insight would be so appreciated, thank you.

The_Sensei CBT, what to expect? Any positive stories?
  • replies: 6

Hi Guys My doctor has given me a referral to see a phychologist to deal with some depression and anxiety issues I have been dealing with the past few months. I have been seeing a counselor through work which I find does help. Wanted to hear from some... View more

Hi Guys My doctor has given me a referral to see a phychologist to deal with some depression and anxiety issues I have been dealing with the past few months. I have been seeing a counselor through work which I find does help. Wanted to hear from some people who have had success with CBT and also what I can expect going in. Thanks

bondi My wife has just had ECT - what is the recovery time?
  • replies: 4

My wife as just completed approx 20 x E C T treatments in Hospital she is home -after a week she is still feeling Agitated,no concentration ,cannot put words together and off course Loss of memory - can anyone answer me in regards to ----what is time... View more

My wife as just completed approx 20 x E C T treatments in Hospital she is home -after a week she is still feeling Agitated,no concentration ,cannot put words together and off course Loss of memory - can anyone answer me in regards to ----what is time line for improvement --- she has a low appetite and with sleeping tablets she sleeps through - IT IS ALSO VERY TOUGH FOR ME thanks for reading Bondi

Arthouse_Ragdoll The dsp and weight loss on meds
  • replies: 2

I have a couple of questions I was wondering if anyone could help me with. The first is regarding getting on the DSP. Now I have schizoaffective disorder and anxiety. I'm 27 years old and I've had this for 2 years now almost. I've been trying to get ... View more

I have a couple of questions I was wondering if anyone could help me with. The first is regarding getting on the DSP. Now I have schizoaffective disorder and anxiety. I'm 27 years old and I've had this for 2 years now almost. I've been trying to get on the dsp to no avail. Has anyone had any positive experiences or success with this? The other thing is since I went on my anti depressants and my anti psychotic I have gained a whopping 45kg. I'm trying to lose weight now I'm almost 100kg. Does anyone have any tips or can tell me what to expect/success stories about losing weight while on meds? Keep in mind I have depressive schizoaffective disorder and with my anxiety going outside and exercising is often totally beyond the relms of my ability. Thanks

Dreamer81 Medication increase
  • replies: 4

Hi guys, new here. I’ve been on anti-depressants for 4 years now. I had a massive anxiety attack on Wednesday which spiraled me back into full blown anxiety and touch of depression. I have been told to increase my medication dosage. I started with a ... View more

Hi guys, new here. I’ve been on anti-depressants for 4 years now. I had a massive anxiety attack on Wednesday which spiraled me back into full blown anxiety and touch of depression. I have been told to increase my medication dosage. I started with a lower dosage and I have had terrible headaches and nausea. I can’t rememver the last time I increased and if this happened before? Any one else get these side effects whilst their body got used to it? X

Pipey EMDR
  • replies: 2

Just wondering if there is another person out there who has had this treatment. It has been discussed with me for me to consider but I have limited knowledge and to be honest it scares me about

Just wondering if there is another person out there who has had this treatment. It has been discussed with me for me to consider but I have limited knowledge and to be honest it scares me about

boatee advice
  • replies: 22

had anxiety/depression for years,on AD meds,had bad time over past 3 months,have been tried on 2 stronger ADs,but due to history of reflux,both new ADs set reflux off massively,GP says might try another one,but have hypochondriasis as well,so not hel... View more

had anxiety/depression for years,on AD meds,had bad time over past 3 months,have been tried on 2 stronger ADs,but due to history of reflux,both new ADs set reflux off massively,GP says might try another one,but have hypochondriasis as well,so not helping at present,and i know its trial & error,but anyone got some advice,all help appreciated,take meds for reflux

168843689 Admission
  • replies: 5

Hey So my psychiatrist wants me to volontary admit myself to a public hospital. Does anyone know of the benefits? I’m hesitant, I don’t want people to know or find out. Ta

Hey So my psychiatrist wants me to volontary admit myself to a public hospital. Does anyone know of the benefits? I’m hesitant, I don’t want people to know or find out. Ta