Is there really help out there

[Aware]

Two years ago I suffered a mental breakdown. I became quite ill, and reluctantly started taking medication 6 weeks later because I was told by a doctor that I would only get worse if I didn't. It wasn't a magical cure, and it didn't change everything that I was going through, however I did begin to feel a bit better. There's no ignoring it, there is a stigma attached to mental heath issue's, and I have lost a lot of people in my life, to the point where I don't see or speak to many people at all. Anyway, I took myself off my medication after 6 months, but 13 weeks ago I hit rock bottom again. This time I made a call for help, I was scared with how I was feeling. I got a referral the very next day to start seeing a Physiologist, and started taking my medication again. I felt positive that I had done this, however, now it has been 13 weeks, and still I have had no appointment arranged. I received a letter confirming my referral 8 weeks ago, but other than that nothing.

It was a very difficult decision for me to reach out for help, but now I wonder if it's even there. I have lost all confidence with getting anywhere, and think this will just remain to be something I get through on my own.

I hope I make sense, Thanks for reading

[Sophie_M]

Hi Aware, thanks for posting and well done on reaching out for help when you needed it.  Delays in appointments can be really frustrating, but are sadly not uncommon.  Our resident GP and counsellor, Dr Kim, has given some advice on this subject in another thread which you might find useful to read while you're waiting for other replies from the community:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/treatments-health-professionals-and-therapies/are-you-looking-for-a-doctor-therapist-or-support-group

 

[MarkJT]

Aware, welcome to the forums and a super well done for reaching out. I really like how you have recognised that it is hard to reach out and takes courage to do and you have done that. Well done.

Quite clearly the waiting time you have had to endure is not acceptable and you deserve much better.

Have you contacted the referred psychologist and ask them what is going on?

If they are to busy and cannot get you in, seek out another one. Speak to your GP who referred you and tell them that you have not been able to get in and you need to.

I want you to know that you are not alone in this journey and that there is really good help out there. You will not go through this alone.

When ever you want, please post what is happening here and there will be people, who will give you advice and chat away.

If you are feeling really low, do not hesitate to contact the helpline on 1300 22 4636.

Mark.

[blondguy]

Hello Aware

Good on you for having the strength to post with us. Im Paul...good to meet you

I understand every word of your post as it sounded like I was reading my own history....

Yes there really is help out here. There are many gentle people that can be here for you. You are not alone here.

As you mentioned the meds arent a fix all but can be crucial as a platform on which we can recover from the awful feelings of anxiety and depression Aware.

Just out of respect to you....This is my 21st year on AD's...they really helped crush the anxiety combined with my therapy. The anxiety is minimal but the depression is still hanging around.

Just for me my breakdown(s) are a partially physical illness....no different to heart disease or diabetes. They are partially chemically based which makes them a physical illness anyway.

You dont have to go through this on your own. We are more than happy to provide you with the support you need

Re appointments.......I was in the same dark place as you are and I asked my GP for free therapy. It is still available (without the choice of doc) in the public system.....There may be a wait....but not a long one

I really hope you can stick around the forums Aware

my very kind thoughts for you

Paul

[Aware]

Thank you Paul ... and pleased to meet you too.

I agree that I need to stay on my meds, like you it help keep my anxiety more at bay, but my depression keeps rearing it's ugly head. It's hard sometimes.

It has taken me a very long time to finally reach out, and I don't think people understand how hard it is.

I was taught to not cause problems, called a liar, and had my character attacked all my life. I'm too sensitive, and need to forget.

This has all affected me addressing anything, and now I almost feel like trying to ignore and bury things again will just be easier.

I am pleasantly surprised though, that people have responded to my post.... thank you

[blondguy]

Hey Aware

No worries at all. If we didnt have new posters then the forums wouldn't exist so thank you!

I do feel a lot of what you are going through Aware....the depression really sucks...Im in recovery now but slowly getting there.

I read your reply above and saw what you wrote "I was taught to not cause problems, called a liar, and had my character attacked all my life. I'm too sensitive, and need to forget." That reminds me of what I went through too

We are both sensitive....that can be worked on....with dedication and the strength you already have......(it took me weeks in early 2016 to write my own thread topic)

I understand about the anguish waiting for an appointment aware.

Small steps first. Are you comfortable seeing your GP to ask for help about getting some free counseling through the public health system?

I still see my GP every month for a 'fine tune' where my depression is concerned.

Great to have you as part of our family here aware 🙂

I hope Tuesday treats you well

please be gentle with yourself

Paul

[geoff]

hello Aware, it's not uncommon for people to stop taking their medication for various reasons, but more than likely their illness will return, leaving you feel devastated and certainly annoyed, and as has been said medication will assist you to overcome depression but only if you are able to have counselling with it.
After awhile AD's will be able to hold you together if you have been able to understand exactly what the problems are and how to prevent any trigger points which may cause you to fall backwards.
It's very difficult to overcome these problems by yourself, simply because the most annoying concerns you have are what you tend to stay away from, so you maybe able to control 75% of them, but it's those 25% that keep in depression, you avoid, but these are the ones that need the most attention.
Having to wait for 13 weeks or more is inexcusable, so as mentioned, try and see someone else with the help of your doctor, who could have the ability to force you in to see someone, sometimes they know a psychologist personally and could ask for a favour, other than that go and talk with receptionist and ask why it has taken so long, and demand in a nice way to get an appointment a.s.a.p. Geoff.

[Aware]

Again, Thanks Paul ... yes I went through a GP for the free service, I had to leave work because I couldn't do it, so there was no way I could afford any help.

I was seeing my Doc regularly, and she was great, knew everything about me, and understood my situation and how tough things were/are ... but she has recently retired, so that's not something that I can continue with, Bugger !!

I will continue to pull out all of my self-care options, but yesterday was a tough one, going to sleep for a while was my only option at one point. Haha

Let's hope Today is a better day .... and a BIG Happy Tuesday to you Paul .... big online hugs to you

[Aware]

By the way Paul ... you said that something I had said reminded you of what you went through ... can you share how you coped ?

[Aware]

Thanks Geoff ... Hi .... you are absolutely right ... those awful triggers ... Grrr.

I have identified a few, and am managing them a bit more, and like you said, it does help.

I still unfortunately have a couple of family members who don't quite get this, and still raise things I can't deal with right now ... I have laid things on the line with them, trying to be stronger for myself, but sometimes their own feelings take over and they try to continually make me feel guilt and responsibility for others actions. I WILL NOT let this happen anymore. I did nothing wrong. .... long story.

you have been very helpful to give me some reassurance there Geoff ... many thanks 🙂