Finding a therapist during COVID

[PivotonianPariah91]

G'day,

I live rurally in Geelong. Tried my best locally to get a mental health plan with the doctor, but the wait time is excruciating. Furthermore, when I've gone for the appointment, they've changed the time and then forced me to wait all over again.

My partner had a baby recently. Its been hard on her, but we are getting through. I had a traumatic upbringing. More emotional than physical abuse, and an alcoholic mother. Absent father who returned when I was almost 30.

Rant over. But I have wild mood swings, and have always had from early adulthood. Gone from flying one minute, happy and full of confidence, to low ebb, no energy, and even flashes of anger.

I don't want my daughter growing up with the anger I witnessed as a child, and I want to get my head straight, so I can be healthy for myself, and help my partner and daughter the best I can.

I am also completing a Pharmacy degree, so its to all our benefits if my mental health is on track.

I am sorry for the rant. Just really want someone to talk to. I don't have money, but I have the time to invest.

Cheers

[PamelaR]

Hi PivotonianPariah

Welcome to our forums. It's good you've found your way here. I did the same thing back in 2017 when I was waiting to get to see the psychologist as part of my mental health plan. My time on the forums really helped me until I was able to get to my first appointment. I've been here on and off since then.

Things during COVID are very topsy-turvy for everyone. The doctors must be having a very difficult time of it. If you can, hang about here till you get to see the doctor and then the health professional. Sorry you've been mucked about.

It really sounds like you're doing loads of good thinking. Great to hear - your thoughts about not wanting to bring your daughter up in the same environment that you grew up in is wonderful. And that you're doing something about it makes it even more commendable. Well done you.

Having a new baby, COVID restrictions and consequences, studying for a degree, and dare I say working too? All these make for a huge overload for ones emotional and mental wellbeing. I think though you have to realise how well you are doing - you found your way here, you can rationally think about the things you want to change about yourself. That's awesome.

Now down to practicalities - you may just have to wait to see your doctor, and then wait to see the health professional. Don't think you can change this. If you want you can chat to a number of support services during this time, along with browsing and joining conversations here on the forums.

Some support services you could contact either by phone or online are:

• Beyond Blue Support Services 1300 224636, www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport
• Lifeline 131114
• Parenting.com.au phone 1300 301300

Hope some of this may help.