Lack of support when your psych is away on conferences/holidays

InTwoMindsAboutThis · ‎02-03-2018

I've been seeing a psychologist weekly for the past ten months. Every so often she goes away on conferences so I have to miss a week. No problem. I understand that health professionals need to update their skills and gain new insight etc into this mental health arena. A couple of times a year she'll take a week off (holidays). Once again, I understand. This is a high stress job they have. She also took a month off over Xmas. The issue that I have is that she just announces this with no back-up plan if things go to pieces for me during these periods. I thought she might take at least a couple of weeks of during the festive season but at the end of the session (in December) she just said ... ok I'll see you in four weeks! I don't actually have any way of contacting her during these times. Is this normal? Do other people have better arrangements with their health professional? This issue is starting to get under my skin. Thankyou for your time!

white knight · ‎02-03-2018

Hi and welcome

I see clearly what you are saying. I have a view of my own on this topic however.

I dont see psychiatrists any different to GP's in this manner. Our country GP's come and go. A new one comes and reads your file. The negative is not being able to absorb all of the patient information

The benefit is a different perspective on your health which can help us.

Psychiatrists cant or rarely appoint a substitute psych. Its not that type of service. So you are left with emergency care if you are in an emergency situation.

Psychiatrists dont often, to my knowledge, have back ups while absent. Its a case of attending an emergency at a hospital or lifeline. If they allow patients to contact them there would be no holiday. What if they went overseas?, sailed on a yacht or needed a break from their actual duties?. In many ways I think there is no such thing as half a holiday.

Im sorry I havent got an answer that provides any real comfort. If a system is in place we have no choice but to work within it. But it is a very hood question.

Tony WK

Croix · ‎02-03-2018

Dear InTwoMindsAboutThis~

I'm the same as Tony, when my psychiatrists have been completely unavailable that is it, no talk of a substitute.

I have to go back to my GP or emergency services if there is an urgent problem. To be fair I have been offered a emergency number when they are still around, but on holidays or away that would not work.

Perhaps if you have not done so already you might like to talk it over with your psych?

Croix

blondguy · ‎02-03-2018

Hello InTwoMindsAboutThis

Thankyou for posting about this topic as I was also distraught when my psychologist went on leave when I used to have chronic anxiety and it left me feeling isolated as well

I didnt know at the time that I had a really good GP that could provide me with the reassurance I needed

TonyWK & Croix (above) have provided excellent advice on this matter

I remember having your pain on this one InTwoMindsAboutThis

You have brought up an excellent thread topic that concerns many people that rely on their psychiatrist

You are not alone here...Please ask us any questions that you have....the forums are a safe and judgement free place for you to post

My kind thoughts

Paul

geoff · ‎05-03-2018

Hello InTwoMindsAboutThis, can I also welcome you to the site.

I'm the same as what Tony, Croix and Paul have said, especially when I was deep in depression, she would go away on a conference or on holidays leaving me to cope by myself, however, I still had a GP who I could see for backup.

They don't provide another psychologist because they may not agree with your current treatment, and if you are seeing a psychiatrist they may also want to change your medication, causing confusion with you as well as your current psych.

There are people who you can ring such as Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, Lifeline 13 11 14, Reachout if you are under 25 years on 1800 55 1800, Suicide 1300 659 467.

Please use any of these and take care. Geoff.

InTwoMindsAboutThis · ‎05-03-2018

Thankyou to everyone for your replies. Just opening up and starting a conversation with others on the subject has made me feel calmer about the issues that were bothering me. Thankyou again.

InTwoMindsAboutThis · ‎05-03-2018

Thanks for your thoughts Geoff! They were really helpful. Your comments regarding new/other psychs creating confusion over treatment/medication was very true. Thankyou again. I always love reading your posts - you're a very insightful person!

Sapphire_ · ‎05-03-2018

Im having this problen right now. My psych has gone on holiday. Im in a really aweful situation where im having really bad thoughts. Im at a loss as to what i am supposed to do. Really need some sort of back up plan for when they are away. I am not coping very well at all and not sure if its bad enough to warrent a call to a helpline. I dont like wasting peoples time especially when there are people who deserve the help more than I do.

white knight · ‎06-03-2018

Hi Sapphire

I understand, but your health and well being is as important as others.

The help lines are there for all of us. By ringing them and receiving advice its a preventative measure.

Attend emergency if you feel out of control. Ask your psych when he returns about a back up plan.

Regards

TonyWK

Sapphire_ · ‎07-03-2018

Thank you Tony.

I did end up calling the local mental heath team and they were absolutly useless. Left me feeling so angry. Felt like i wasnt worth it. Ended up not in a good place. Back to old habits to make myself feel better. Its so easy to cross that line.

Tomorrow Im going to try and see if i can see another psych in the clinic otherwise im afraid i will end up in ER. I cant go any longer without seeing someone.

Sapphire.