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I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I can cope.

-Asclepius-Casual Contributor13 Nov 2021, 9:11 pm AEDT

I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I can cope.

Hi,

For much of my life I have struggled with panic attacks and a constant feeling of worthlessness. I can’t remember anytime past my mid teens where I haven’t felt this way.

The only way I have coped so far is with my mother’s support, she has been there for me through thick and thin. Any time I was having a panic attack she would be there for me.

Over the last 15 years I feel as though I have pulled away from everything else except for her and my father.

I have not been diagnosed with anything, as when I first went to a GP (over 8 years ago) to discuss depression and anxiety. I was told don’t worry you have a stressful job, and your not depressed as you aren’t planning to commit suicide (as I couldn’t do that to my mum and dad as it would destroy them).

Over the last few years I feel as though I have barely kept my head above water thanks to her. But now she has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

I don’t know how to get through this, she wants me to seek help, but I don’t know how to see a doctor to discuss this. I’m not coping now I’m having panic attacks all the time but can’t let her see me like this. I feel as though life isn’t worth living, but I’m not suicidal. How to I get this across to a GP? How do I convince them I need the help?

7 replies

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In response to: I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I can cope.

outlanderSenior Contributor13 Nov 2021, 9:25 pm AEDT

Re: I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I can cope.

hi @-Asclepius-

i would reccomend you seeing another gp if your comfortable with that. Just because your not suicidal doesnt mean you cant have a mental health condition. My gp use to tell me it was in my head until i went and seen someone else. they performed a K10 test and also wrote me a mental health care plan to see a psychologist and a psychiatrist.

there is 2 sites called Mindspot and This Way Up which have short courses on mental health conditions, perhaps youd also like to have a look at those for some extra resources too.

im sorry your being unheard and have so much going on. well done for reaching out for some support here

In response to: Re: I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I can cope.

-Asclepius-Casual Contributor13 Nov 2021, 9:32 pm AEDT

Re: I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I can cope.

Thank you so much for your response. I’m trying to get the courage to talk to another doctor. But I’ll definitely check out those courses.

In response to: Re: I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I can cope.

outlanderSenior Contributor13 Nov 2021, 9:37 pm AEDT

Re: I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I can cope.

your most welcome @-Asclepius- i do hope you can find a good gp. alot of drs clinics have websites now, i found mine through having a search on their and finding one that like to manage mental health conditions.

your also welcome to use helplines such as beyond blue or lifeline to just have someone to talk to as well. sometimes its just good to have a listening ear.

Also you dont have to have a refferral to see a psychologist however it is made cheaper with the care plan as medicare will rebate some of the session costs.

In response to: I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I can cope.

frogSenior Contributor14 Nov 2021, 5:01 pm AEDT

Re: I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I can cope.

Hi @-Asclepius- welcome to the forum.

Just wanted to let you know that I read your post and say that I'm sorry that you have so much heartache at the moment. Also I want to echo what @outlander said. GPs with a good understanding of mental health are out there, but it can take time finding one you feel comfortable with. It's worth the effort because they can support you and link you with other health professionals.

Take care.

In response to: I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I can cope.

MalusContributor15 Nov 2021, 8:42 am AEDT

Re: I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I can cope.

Hi Asclepius 🙂

Echoing what other peers have said, I'd recommend you seek out a new GP.
In my experience and opinion, a good GP won't try to argue you out of creating a Mental Health Care Plan - it sounds like that may have happened last time. A good GP will listen and simply help. It is your right to access a Mental Health Care Plan through Medicare and it will give you access to 20 subsidized sessions with a psychologist or similar mental health professional, depending on the practitioner / clinic.

If I were in your situation, I'd explain what I'm going through (ie: with my family member, their support, their recent diagnosis) and explain that I am struggling to cope, feeling overwhelmed and hopeless (I don't mean to make assumptions by that, these are just my words) and that I need to talk it out with a professional.

Speaking to my own experience, I've had much better luck with female GPs, personally.

Good luck 🙂 I hope you find the support that you need in this very challenging time.

In response to: Re: I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I can cope.

-Asclepius-Casual Contributor15 Nov 2021, 6:03 pm AEDT

Re: I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I can cope.

@frog and @Malus, thank you both for your support and advice. I'm trying to book an appointment with my current GP office and hope they listen. Again thank you.

In response to: Re: I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I can cope.

AussieRechargerSenior Contributor15 Nov 2021, 6:54 pm AEDT

Re: I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if I can cope.

Hey @-Asclepius-

Can I ask you how your mum would write this story about you? What is it about your mum and dad that makes you feel so comfortable with them? What would be some highlights of your mum, and when she is the best person to be your mum?

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