Unable to access mental health services for my child

[Jrocky]

Hello,

This is my first time posting on this forum 😊 my 9yo daughter has struggled with anxiety since she was 2 but has only recently been diagnosed. She sees a psych (after a long time spent on many waiting lists) and her pediatrician has recommended seeing an occupational therapist as well to help her better deal with some of her triggers. The problem is, I’ve called every private OT in my area and nearby areas and either their waiting lists are closed or are incredibly long; the shortest one she’s on is around 9 months but even then they couldn’t be sure that it wouldn’t be longer. I’ve tried the public system but after about 6 phone calls in one day, going around in circles, they’ve told me that she’s too old for community health (only up to 8 years old) and despite having a “child and youth mental health service”, they don’t have any OT’s within their service. Our local health service is Nepean (NSW) if that’s relevant. Our GP can’t think of any other avenues to pursue to try to see an OT.

Im completely at a loss as to how to help her. Does anyone have any ideas?

Thank you!

[Petal22]

Hi Jrocky,

Wellcome to our forums!

Im sorry you are on such a long wait list.

Maybe you could teach your daughter some strategies………….

You could google kids meditation for anxiety and maybe before sleep time you could do it together.

You could teach her how to breathe slowly in slowly out slowly…… ( for anxious moments).

Maybe you could do some colouring In together for mindfulness.

Does your school run a well being program?

Sometimes they teach some simple strategies to the children…

even like a simple song

eyes and mouth, rarrrrrrrrr ( when doing the rarrrrrrr (make it load and long)…..

eyes and mouth, rarrrrrr

eyes and mouth, rarrrrrrrr

( repeat 3 times)

( this takes out the scary feelings)…

I understand it’s hard when they are little and dealing with anxiety.

[Petal22]

Make the rarrrrrr long and “ loud”

[P12]

• Ask the pediatrician what they recommend given the long waitlists and as they were the person to recommend visiting an occupational therapist.
  • Access an occupational therapist anywhere in Australia using teleheath.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Jrocky,

Welcome to the forums!

Such a shame you're not able to get into the OT. It's so hard accessing services and it sounds like you've really thought about every avenue. Telehealth is definitely an option, however it might be a little pricey.

I'd recommend just circling back to the psychologist and psychiatrist and getting their perspective. I've never actually heard of young people being referred to an OT for anxiety, so I'm curious what the reasoning is there or why they were hoping an OT would help.

A psychologist is a great step. I have no doubt in my mind that she'll benefit hugely from the psychologist alone.

rt 🙂