New to BB, need guidance

[Luna_Fate]

Hello 🙏🏼 I have tried to apply for disability once and was denied. I wonder, I have generalised anxiety disorder, OCD, mild/moderate depression, thoughts of self harm, intrusive thoughts constantly, avoidance of almost anything but not agoraphobic, childhood witness of sexual inappropriate behaviour, child of alcoholic, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, and a few more.

Why do you feel they believe I can work? I tried working and now feel like I want to hide away in a home made fort like a kid with my cat.

I do have a partner but he doesn't fully understand. As I write this I feel emotional. I feel sad and angry he doesn't get it but at the same he has only ever had one anxiety attack since I've known him and I helped him best I could. The Dr did also and he was ok. No residual anxiety. I just need to know, I'm on meds but have not seen a Psychiatrist, just continuing with what seems to work. I am in need of a Psychologist but not sure how to find out how many appointments are free?

I think that was a Lot to post for first post. Sorry 😳

[Ggrand]

Hello Dear Luna Fate....

I am sorry you have not been accepted by centre link for the DSP....I’m not sure but I think it’s a lot harder to receive for someone who’s husband or wife is working...I know it’s very hard to get this patient....

If you talk to your Dr. about a mental health care plan...he/she should be able to arrange some help for you in the way of some professionals...in NSW this entitles you to 10 free sessions with a psychologist...and possibly a psychiatrist as well to check on your meds and if they are the right ones to help you..

Wishing you all the best...with kind thoughts..Please talk here anytime you feel up to it..

Grandy..

[Sophie_M]

Hi Luna,

No need to be sorry. It’s really good that you shared this here, and this community is here for you. It sounds like you’ve dealt with a lot, and it must have been really hard receiving that news from the DSP.

As the lovely Grandy has said, you’d be best speaking to your GP to access some free support. You could also have a look at the Find a professional directory on the Beyond Blue site, which you can filter for bulk billing. For psychiatrists specifically, you can use the The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' Find a Psychiatrist directory, which lists consultant psychiatrists in private practice in Australia.

If you’d like to talk this through with someone, please remember you can reach out to the Beyond Blue counsellors on 1300 22 4636. They can talk you through these difficult moments, and they’ll also help you to figure out how you can keep getting better. They’re also available on webchat, here.

We hope the kind words of Grandy, and others who may find your thread in time, bring you some comfort. Posting here can be a valuable step on the journey to feeling better. Do feel free to share more here, whenever you feel comfortable to do so.

Kind regards,

Sophie M

[jaz28]

Hi Luna Fate,

I am sorry you have experienced this. It is frustrating to hear that with the DSP. I also have a chronic illness and cannot receive DSP for it either. I am just lucky I am a student and young so I can get a youth allowance. I still work 30-40 hours a week, but when I was hospitalised earlier this year the youth allowance saved me financially. I know how it feels. I am grateful I am still able to work when my illness is in remission (which is most of the time).

Some people don't understand unless it happens to them. They try to and are supportive, but it is hard to fully understand when you aren't the one going through it.

As for a psychologist, I would start with seeing your GP and getting a mental health care plan. They can discuss the costs with you, I do believe you might get some free appointment from Medicare, or at least a discounted amount.

I hope you start to find relief soon.

Jaz.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Luna Fate,

Welcome to the forums and thank you for sharing this with us. Please don't be sorry- I've seen longer and it's good to get an understanding of where you are at.

Centrelink is.. a nightmare. Your conditions fall mostly under the mental health category and even if you were able to pull together enough paperwork and evidence, mental health to Centrelink is seen as treatable and not permanent. While some can seem to get the DSP for their mental health, that feels like a unicorn because it's just so rare now. I was denied (also with other health conditions), and friends who have had strokes/permanently disabled are denied too.

So, I get it. It's all paperwork and ticking boxes, even with job agencies.

As for a psychologist, you can get up to 20 sessions now (usually it's 10, but with COVID-19 they've given an extra 10). The sessions are a medicare rebate, so it's up to the psychologist how much you pay out of pocket. Unfortunately everyone is different and that varies quite a bit, so if you are searching, look for "bulk billing" which means you won't be out of pocket at all. Hopefully your GP can recommend a good one but I like to do a search first.

I hope this helps 🙂

rt