The cost of therapy is out of reach?

[CharlieChops]

Hi, new member, first post. I suffer from chronic depression, which is the result of complex trauma, both childhood and as recent as last year ( the straw that just might break this camels back). I am a single mum to a 9 year old, I rent and work an average, full time job. I know that I need long term therapy, if I am ever going to be able to climb out of this pit of despair that I am in.  I am functioning (only just) on a high dose antidepressant, but recently have begun a process of isolating myself from family and friends, drinking excessively and behaving recklessly.   Not the first time in my life that I have found myself here. Seems all roads lead here eventually. I can't afford therapy. My GP has written up my 2nd mental health plan in the space of 12 months. But once the 6 visits are up, I'm on my own again. And I can't afford to carry on. Where do people who can't afford long term therapy go?? Thanks for any advice you can share with me.   

[white knight]

Hi charliechops, welcome here to BB forum.

I'm certainly not advocating self medication in any way.....perhaps self discovery? At least you have nothing to lose by trying to help yourself spiritually and emotionally.

Medications in my view is a vital link in the chain to recovery or sustaining some form of stability so you can move through life, continue to be a good mum and member of society. But IMO so is spiritual health, emotional health, honing social skills, balancing your level of involvement in human contact etc etc.

I dont know if you are religious or not. I am an athiest myself and 25 years ago I embarked on a spiritual journey that led me to peace most of the time.  I read articles about Ghandi, the Deli Lama and others and my most contented discovery was Maharaji otherwise known as Prem Rawat. This man travels the world with philosophies that give rise to self belief.  You can google many of his messages. My two favourites you can google "Youtube Maharaji sunset" and "the perfect instrument"

Not everyone will 'get it' but you have nothing to lose. It isnt religion.  That is another link in the chain of recovery. Raising your self esteem, recognising your worth...appreciating your position in our world.

After 25 years of my spiritual journey to my inner self I can say it has worked. Yes, I take my meds for bipolar 2 dysthymia anxiety and depression. I seek therapy less and less and I've grown strong enough to come on here as a regular to assist others, something not even thought I could do some time ago.

Hope you find your answer.  Cyber hug

[AGrace]

Hi charlichops,

There are a number of options for you. 

1. There are plenty of Psychologists who bulk bill, you could google to find one

2. Have you been in contact with your community mental health Service?  They offer individual counselling, an extensive range of therapy programs, workshops etc and I believe all services are free

3. In VICTORIA we have the Crisis Assesment team, not sure of their name in other states. These people will come to you, particularly if you're in crisis.  You can then arrange subsequent visits

4. Contact the emergency dept of your local public hospital and explain where you're at

5 . Contact Beyondblue, they also have a list of services provided and the details of the services offered by external groups

If you are nearing your final appt with your Psychologist speak with them about planning for where to next.

AGtace

[white knight]

What a diverse range of answers we have here on Beyond Blue.  Thanks AGrace for your knowledge.

[CharlieChops]

Thanks for your replies. I am trying to tune into my own (non religious) spirituality, but while I read and agree with much of what I discover, I feel that sometimes it's all a bit far fetched. Almost like the reality of life, the cold hard facts of my existence, prove all the positive thinking and 'mindfulness' does nothing. Things are as they are. I try though. I really do. Sometimes it's just so exhausting having to consciously override the 'natural' thought patterns in my brain. I will find some info on Prem Rawat. I will always seek. And thanks AGrace. You gave me more info in that post than I got from my doctor!

[White_Rose]

Hello Charlie

AG is pretty good isn't she. In Qld the Crisis Assessment Team is called the Mental Health team. 

Have you considered going to a psychiatrist? Need to talk with your doc first. The financial benefit is finding someone who either bulk bills or charges only a small amount over the Medicare rebate.  I appreciate that even a small amount may make this a difficult option but there would be no need for recurring mental health plans.

On the same theme as WK, have you tried meditation? It is different to mindfulness which can be hard to come to terms with. Positive thinking is, in my book, an excuse for people to say "Buck up and get on with life". Not helpful. However CBT is a different matter and worth talking about to your psych.

Meditation is a simple process but definitely not easy. Sit down, close your eyes and repeat a mantra in your mind without allowing other thoughts to intrude. Ironically I found this easier when I was in the midst of major depression than later as I started to recover. I think I so desperately wanted to stop the other thoughts that I concentrated hard on the mantra. In any event I find it very helpful.

Keep in touch.

Regards

LING