Not coping with current treatment

[Island11]

i Have always had anxiety however it recently became a problem for me after getting caught in the nsw bush fires back in November. I started taking medication 10 days ago. I saw a psychologist in December and again this week but she is heavily booked and despite her wanting to see me next week I can’t get an appointment till mid feb. My gp has told me to check in with him in a month.

so for the next month I am feeling on my own and completely drowning. My partner isn’t working at the moment so he is taking care of our three kids (5yrs, 3.5yrs, and 6mnths). I am jumping in when and where I can but I feel emotionally fragile.

not too sure where to from here. Just waiting? I feel like I need to be hospitalised

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Island11,

I am glad you have found your way to forum. You must feel so frustrated with the circumstance of not being able to access care in a timely way. This is really difficult and unfortunately really common. By reaching out here on the forum and getting supporting in the first place, I really feel your desire to get well and get help. Being someone who also has had some impact from the bushfires, I can empathising with the stress that it places on you (particularly when you taking care of small children). The Government is infusing a lot of money into people who require support due to the fires but it doesn't help the workforce issue which results in waiting times like your describe.

I will offer a few suggestions that might get you through until your appointment in mid-February. As you are Perinatal (the time from pregnancy up to one year) you are eligible for some other programs and supports. You could try the PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) support line for some interim support if you are someone who doesn't mind talking on the phone. You can find them by going to this website https://www.panda.org.au or calling 1300 726 306.

There is an online program called Mindspot that supports people with anxiety and depression via the internet and phone. It might be something to look into given your circumstances. You might discuss this with your GP if it is a way in which you feel comfortable addressing symptoms. Mindspot combines online modules with telephone support and some people have had great success with the program. It is also free. You can read about it by heading to the website https://mindspot.org.aur

Returning to your GP and explaining your circumstance is important. There are times where GPs will be more available to you. Despite your GP saying to come back in one month, given the challenges you face with an increase in your symptoms, I would suspect that heading back to your GP sooner would be fine.

There are also support lines for if you anytime which include the Beyond Blue support line 1300 22 4636. Sometimes while waiting for appointments, you can try to fill the gaps with other layers of support like this.

I am trying sorry that the system is not getting you the support you need at the right time. If things become unmanageable or unsafe for you, go to your local Emergency Department if you need to.

You are not alone. We are listening.

Nurse Jenn