Desperate for Psychiatrist assistance

[Mumma_ST]

I am the mother of a 16 year old who has been suffering with anxiety, self harm and an ED over the last 2 years with excalating seriousness. Her care team consists of our GP, Paedatrition, Psychologist and a Dietatian.

On Sunday my daughter ended up in the emergency room where it was confirmed there was a limited amount of damage to her liver. 

The toxocologist advised we needed to step up her care to include a psychiatrist immediately. This was supported by her psychologist and GP. Since this time I have approached every possible clinic and youth psychiatrist I can find. I have exhausted the lists provided by our GP, the hospital, recommendations and online searching. The responses range from 'books are closed', 'doesn't see youth', 'out of serviced region' or no response at all. I have even had the response "if it gets worse then call the crisis line.

I am feeling so desperate and without hope of finding the right specialist to assist my daughter. How is it we can get to the point in our society where we don't have specialists available to assist a suicidal teenager? Recent years have seen changes that now require adult administration of medications prescribed by a psychiatrist rather than GP's rather than stretching our specialist resources so thin they can no longer help the most in need?

My ask of this group is twofold.

1) Does anyone have any tips or advice on how I can find a psychiatrist that could work with a 16 year old with the above conditions?

2) How do we work together as a community to convince the governing bodies that the current system is so heartbreakingly broken and there is a desperate need to review processes, policies and requirements required of these specialists - to free up their time to see the most in need.

[Petal22]

Hi Mimma ST,

Wellcome to our forums.

Im so sorry you are currently going through this with your daughter I can understand the desperation you feel.

Has your daughter ever had a proper diagnosis?

A diagnosis can be made by a psychiatrist or a “clinical” psychologist……..

I was diagnosed with severe anxiety OCD and have now recovered I credit this to myself being put on the correct path of health professionals who understood my condition.

I really believe that a diagnosis is vital for getting your daughter the correct help she needs.

[Croix]

Dear Mumma_ST~

Thank you for coming here and setting out your circumstances. It is a terible position for a parent to be in and so frightening and frustrating when the best help appears to be non-existent with time passing all too quickly.

I'll mention these anyway (just in case) though I'm sure you would be familiar with them:

Butterfly Foundation

and

Your Health In Mind / Find a psychiatrist

The former may be of some help, particularly with your second question - though you never know .

Other than that - if you have not already done so - canvasing all the telehealth companies. This of course broadens resources to all geographic areas of Australia

HealthDirect.gov.au/australian-health-services

and searching for" telehealth capable psychiatrists" is a clunky way, as you have to go by area, but does offer some possibilities (eg 50 hits in the Sydney area)

My apologies if I'm just retracing your steps.

To take your second question seriously it is a broader matter than eating disorders and my own experience has been to join mental health peak bodies which has allowed me to have a tiny input into policy submissions.

One starting point may be here:

Mental Health Commission

I know how hard this must be for you, and am wondering if you are being supported? The results of ongoing extreme stress can lead you to be in a poor position. there may be family support, a confidential friend or a doctor and counseling. To be able to voice you concerns, worries, plans and hopes to another does help lighten the load a little.

It does not mean the listener can 'fix' everything, but may let you feel less alone and maybe better able to cope

It can also be a support group in your area. Blackdog has a very incomplete list of all types here.

or you may find our 24/7 help line (1300 22 4636) may know of one

You may find by looking at thread titles there other people with similar problems here on the forum

Please let us know what you think, we would very much like to know how you go.

Croix

[Mumma_ST]

Thank you Croix, your post is very thoughtful and useful.

I had considered telehealth although wasn't sure where to start with finding someone, I will start this search now.

And thank you for the support group information. After the recent trip to the ED and not knowing how this latest self harm would end, I feel I have been on eggshells and my nerves are freyed. It has been a long 2 years and I no longer feel I have this under control. I now understand the need for me to look after myself so I am best supported to support my daughter.

I can assure you I will be looking into ways to bring the voice of those in need to our governing bodies.

I will let you know how I get on.

Thank you.

[geoff]

Hello Mumma_ST, I am truly so sorry for what you have been through as well as your daughter, but II'd like to know if you have contacted Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 by phone, web chat or online and the best part with these counsellors are that they dress in casual clothes, something that a teenager can suddenly relate to, rather than a person sitting behind a desk with a tie and coat on.

These people start off by talking about general matters, things that your daughter can identify with, before they gently approach the main issues.

They are available 24/7 and are trained counsellors of all ages.

The other place is Headspace, but would like to know if you have contacted these sites.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[Centaured]

Hi. Is your connected to CAMHS. They have psychiatrist and other mental health workers that might be able to help. Your GP or the hospital should be able to refer them to them.