Too many hurdles to access services

[Mieow]

I have been experiencing low mood and irritability (constant tears, hopelessness etc etc), probably as the result of a recent family berevement. I am trying to do the right thing and talk to a GP and see if I need a mental health treatment plan.  I paid $55 for an online GP to tell me they can't do that for me becasue of some restriction about the medicare code and it is a six week wait to see a GP in my area.  Fortunatley I am a fairly robust person and I am not, in the scheme of things, particularly unwell. I will be able to stick out the wait or travel 2 or 3 hours into Sydney or find some other avenue to access a GP.

What the heck do they expect seriously unwell people to do? How can the policy settings possibly figure that the benefit of a face-to-face consultation outweighs timely medical support? No one needs to take my temperature to know that I am sad.

[mmMekitty]

Hello Mieow

I'm so sorry you've had a recent loss in your family. My condolences & sympathy to you & your family.

You are welcome to come here to BB & talk as much as you like while waiting to get in to see a GP in person. It's not only annoying, it's very inconvenient for people who live far from GP services, to have to travel to see a GP for the reasons you need. It's time & money, it's added stress. I'm sorry you have to deal with the regulations.

While you are waiting for a time when you can get to a GP, talking here is a good option. As is contacting BB's Counsellors either by phone or through the Chat Online service. See the end of this web page.

It's natural to grieve for the loss of someone you've cared about. Whatever feelings you have are your feelings. It's not unusual to think & feel as you have.

All I'd ask of you now is to take good care of yourself, & to treat yourself with compassion exactly as you would treat your best friend.

Hugzies

mmMekitty