Where Do I Start With Getting Diagnosed?

[hxylxy]

I've just turned 18 and been living out of home for a bit over a month now. I've known that I've had depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember but never been able to receive any kind of help. I lived with my abusive mother who refused to let me see a doctor or go on medication but now I'm out of home it's finally an option. But I don't really know how to start. I also have good reason to believe that I have a personality disorder of some kind but obviously not wanting to self diagnose I have to figure out how to see a doctor.

I guess what I'm most concerned about is making the initial appointment and figuring out how to bring it up. I don't know what to say or expect? I'm just really scared about it and I've been continuously putting it off because I simply don't know what to say and I'm going to be alone. How do I bring up depression and anxiety as well as wanting to get tested for a personality disorder to my doctor?

[White_Rose]

Dear hxylxy

Welcome to the forum. Glad you found us. I am sorry you are struggling with depression on your own. It is very hard. I have several suggestions for you including web addresses.

A good help service is the Kid's Helpline. They assist people aged 5 to 25. Their web address is https://www.kidshelpline.com.au/ and they have a 24/7 helpline 1800 55 1800. May be a good place to start.

Talking to your GP is also an excellent way to go. Many people struggle to tell their doctors etc what is worrying them. I suggest you print your post above and give it to your GP to read. There is lots of information for him/her to read and will start the conversation more easily. Many GPs are knowledgable about mental health issues and can refer you to a suitable therapist if necessary.

May I ask if you are working or have an income? Unfortunately we need to pay to see our GPs unless you have the good fortune to have a GP who bulk bills. Often they will do this for young people living away from home. The GP can also give you mental health plan to see a psychologist. Again some of these psychologists bulk bill so I suggest you discuss this with the GP.

These two options are a good place to start. There are other options but I find having too many to choose from stops us doing anything. A sort of overload paralysis.

Let us know how you go and please continue to post in whenever you wish.

Mary

[MsPurple]

Hi hxylxy and welcome to the forums

I know talking to a doctor can be intimidating. However the only way to get an appointment with a psychologist and to work on your mental health is see a GP and to get a mental health care plan in place. THis allows up to 10 psychology appointments.

Now you say you are 18. Have you heard of the youth mental health service called headspace. https://headspace.org.au/ See the link. When I was struggling with anxiety I went to headspace. They were really good. They also have a GP you can see to get the process started. I suggest checking it out. They also have an online service if you want to chat with someone while you get the ball rolling. I know I was super nervous about going to headspace. I told one of my friends about the appointment so I couldn't chicken out.

If you feel comfortable using headspace it can be helpful. If not you can ask your doctor to refer you to a psychologist in your local area.

I hope this is helpful. I'm sure others post here as well 🙂