How to talk to someone?

[ShadowCat1988]

So with the help of some friends I have recently decided to try to get some help for my depression, dealing with some of the issues in my life and trying to stop my self harming. I promised my friend that I would see my GP to get a referral to talk to a psych. I did just that, only my GP refused to give me one and wanted to prescribe me with stuff instead. It didn't help that he was also patronising. I'm not able to afford to pay the full rate for a psych but I can't get a referral to one, what am I meant to do? How does one actually get access to the people and services they need to sort their life out?

And why is it so hard?

beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636.

[Doolhof]

Hi Shadowcat,

Welcome to the community here at Beyond BLue. I see that one of the moderators has contacted you, so I am sure they have helped you sort out your issues regarding seeing someone for help.

It is a real shame you found the Dr to be patronising. You can change Drs and have every right to do so. If you can not afford to see a psych then there might be the option for you to have a mental health care plan done to help with the cost of appointments.

This may have been explained to you as well by the Beyond Blue staff.

In the mean time, you can share how you are feeling here on the forums. You will find some very supportive people here. Also look at other threads you can relate to and read some of the suggestions that have been made to others.

There are a lot of resources available on this site. You also have the option of using the phone help line or the Chat online service.

Sounds like you have some supportive and caring friends. Keep in touch with them and try to organise times to catch up, think of what makes you happy in life and try to incorporate more of that into each day where you can.

Next time you go to a Dr. would it be possible to take a friend or a family member with you? They do not need to stay for the whole of the appointment, their support might be comforting for you after your last experience.

Medication does help so many people with a variety of mental health issues. I for one do not do so well without medication. I have tried off and on and don't cope too well at all. For some people medication is a necessity like insulin is to a diabetic.

Some people are able to cope okay without medication, they are able to put other strategies and plans into action to help themselves. Maybe through a medical professional or through their own will power.

Once again, I am not sure what the moderator has suggested, but I would like to encourage you to see another Dr. You are not alone, there is help out there.

Remember you can call Beyond Blue or Life Line any time if you feel at risk. I have used both these services and they helped me immensely.

Oh dear! Another long reply from me! Hope some of this has helped.

Cheers for now from Mrs. Dools

[JessF]

Hello Shadow Cat, did the doctor give you a reason why they wouldn't give you a referral to a psychologist?

Have a search online for psychologists who bulk bill in your area. They are hard to find but there are a few.

[blondguy]

Hello ShadowCat

Im sorry that you have been in a bad place.

I have had depression/anxiety for many years and like yourself I had trouble affording a psychologist so I contacted my council social worker and they put me in contact with a psychiatric nurse in a community facility.

He was so kind and understanding and helped me heal.......and they dont charge!

Kind Thoughts for you

Paul

[geoff]

hello ShadowCat, I am pleased that yo know that you need help and that's always a good start.
I find this rather inexcusable by your doctor not wanting to help you further, because medication can work, but some people have many side-effects which make them unable to take it.
There are some psychiatrist's who bulk bill, but few psychologist's who want to bulk bill, and the sessions are very expensive, unless you are in a medical health fund, but a doctor could offer to put you on on a health plan, which enables you to 10 free visits to visit a psychologist, and once you get to see one and then the 10 sessions has ended, you might be able to organise an arrangement with them.
I would suugest for you to go and see another doctor, one which you can find on this site under 'Get Support' at the top of this page, where it says 'find a professional'.
I say this because your present doctor has not been helpful to begin with, and along the way you will need a doctor who does support you.
You could also ring the BB phone number who will be able to direct you to the appropriate direction of finding one.
Please let us know how you get on. Geoff.