Newbie

[RosieRooDog]

Hi my name is Kate.

I have depression and PTSD. I live alone but I do have a small Jack Russell terrier named Rosie. she is my best friend and she helps me on my really bad days, and my really good days. She is my best friend. I live in North East Victoria and there aren’t many services here that can help people with PTSD.

Living in a country town can be hard - compared to people who live in the city, who have access to everything and it’s only a short distance to get there. If we need access to anything - depending on the service, we have to travel 40mins to 2 hours.

i’m having a bit of a rough patch at the moment and I don’t know what to do. days like this - I absolutely hate it....

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Kate,

Welcome to the forum. Rosie Roo is just adorable and I am so glad that you have her by your side. I am so glad you have reached out here on the forum today. You are not alone in your struggle with living in regional and rural Australia. I was just having a conversation about the lack of services available at the dinner table tonight as I live regionally myself. Even if there are some services available, transport and waitlist can be such an issue for people. I am sorry you are really struggling today.

I certainly don't have all the answers but for some people who are going through a rough patch, places like the forum can really help out. People are listening and reading and writing all the time. This is a really great place to start to find some healing strategies.

I also know of a treatment program called Mindspot that has a mix of telephone and online support for people with worry and low mood and also has a program specific to PTSD. This can be done anywhere and at your own pace and is free. You could have a read about it by going to the website on www.mindspot.org.au

Having a bad day is normal and finding things to help get you through could be listed under some sections of the forum. I particularly like 'Staying Well' as there is a place to learn and discuss Mindfulness, a place where you can distract yourself and a place to talk about pets and so much more.

I wonder if you have taken Rosie for a walk today or have have been able to call someone you trust who comforts you? Taking each part of the day in small pieces can be important when you are not feeling well. Be kind to yourself. We are here for you and listening.

I wonder if any other strategies have worked previously when you experience this type of day in the past? Please keep us posted.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Kate,

Welcome to the forums and thanks so much for joining us. I can see that Nurse Jenn has already offered some great support.

First, and most importantly - your dog is such a cutie! Thank you for sharing a picture of her, I am a big dog lover too. I also know how much they can help on really bad days.

I also lived in the country for most of my life, and like you - everything was so far away, even a single psychologist was one hour away, let alone anything else. Are you connected with any of the services - even the ones 40 minutes away?

While it's not quite the same, there are lots of online services now too. Nurse Jenn mentioned Mindspot and mindfulness, but there are also others. A lot of psychiatrists and psychologists also do phone or Skype-like consults for people who can't access services easily.

Hopefully these things are helpful or give you something to consider, and hopefully you can get some support out of the forums too.

RT