What to do?

Hearing you @Historylover

Sad but I do not think many professionals realise how many discontinued numbers are handed out. It is a disgrace, and I have experienced it a bit.

Wish I could suggest something, but I have noit found anything that is a certainty. I am barely hanging on with NDIS support, not being abusive or them rorting system. I found a good support wkr and physio, but I have to work hard in those relatioinships too. I am lucky I am on NDIS, but as I have seen so many things going wrong, I am committed to betterment of the system in general, before people are assessed as disabled so much they fall into DSP or NDIS category. Trying like mad to make this forum as positive a place as I can for those needing Mental Health support.

Take Care Apple

@Historylover I had not seen a psychiatrist in over a decade but have to go back and get a medication review and adjustment.

Similar scenario. The guts has been ripped out of mental healthcare.

They are now following the American model of psychiatric care: the corporate medical version where you have to pay full price and wait for a medicare payment.

My new shrink wants hundreds of dollars.

All I want is my medicine to be changed, not as if I could afford the luxury of paying somene huge outlays just to listen to my patient history.

I feel sorry for the younger folk who are newly diagnosed who have no supports and are practically dumped in the community left to tread water.

Its so totally wrong.

Anyway I hope you find some kind of service and someone who is compassionate and caring.

We deserve better after what we've been through.

How frustrating @Historylover I think a number of services closed during covid due to related financial difficulties- which can be tough when it can be hard to find support in the best of times!

If you'd like a helping hand in the process of finding something good for you and your needs, our Help Centre can support you to provide referrals in your area

Yes @Former-Member agree, about the issues with following the American model.When the main job for pdoc is writing out the same script, one finds it difficult to see how it is really worth the hundreds that are demanded, and paid by medicare and by those usually on a very low income.

@Former-Member @Appleblossom @Former-Member @Historylover

And I thought I had problems. And I do. And one of the is "Someone's messing with my support networks." And I just want to say that this won't stand. Heads will bow and those that don't shall roll. Well, maybe not that sort of thing. But, the current models certainly need some sort of help re: "helping". One way or another, that's what its come to.

@Appleblossom yes I can't afford it. Nobody on pensions can realistically pay the sums of money demanded.

It never used to be this way - there was a community care model in the 1990's when I was newly diagnosed.

Ever so grateful for that. I wish the young people now with mental illness had this!

Hoping the shrink won't waste my time with medicine changeover or demand more money.

Its totally demoralising when you save all your money for a rainy day and everyone wants access to your cash

@Historylover yes i agree it is impossible to find a GP, pyschologist or pyschiatrist when needed without considerable cost or waiting time.

A mental health line maybe in NSW 1800 011 511

Support groups are hard to find now with Covid.

This is how I stumbled across on SANE forums in the last week.

What about a local club for social connection (if it is not acute mental health stuff), like a low cost walking group or a yoga / exercise class with like minded souls.

Is there a womens health centre anywhere nearby?

sometimes i find apps are useful

or writing /typing down whatever ever is in my head so that i can put my hands on my thoughts and discuss it when i finally get through to a health professional.

Accosting strangers on the street may have benefits..

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-48459940

@Historylover I was wondering if the Salvation Army or something similar may be able to help. They are usually good with access to contacts and agencies. Hope you get the help you need ❤️

Xxx

Hi @Historylover

It's good to see you again - not good that you are having such a struggle finding someone who can be a helpful therapist for you. Actually - I think it's wonderful that you know what you want from someone - face-to-face - empathy - able to give actual help - surely there is someone but indeed - how do you find that person?

And it is expensive. Why spend a lot of money you don't really have to talk about the painful issues in your life to someone who is not really listening? There are good people out there but again - how do you find them

And the cost is prohibitive. If someone is on a low income or a pensioner then the amount charged for 10 visits a year rebated on Medicare is still not enough. And is it enough to have 10 visits? I don't think so and what would someone do if they needed more than 10 with the costs so high?

I saw someone really great late 2019 and early 2020 - for help with pain management. She was very understanding and empathetic. She became ill at the beginning of the pandemic and stopped working - what a pity - I do understand this happens. I saw someone else once - not a good fit - I have given it away now and I can certainly understand when it all gets too much. And just looking for someone is too much at times.

I wish you the best though - and it really is good to see you back here

Dec