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Lilly6Senior Contributor
Hello. I haven't posted for a while. I have wanted to offer support to others here but haven't felt able to do so. I don't know why I can't get to a better place emotionally, why I keep sliding back to feeling like it is pointless being around. I don't feel right. I feel depressed. I feel like I am never good enough.
I have missed the members here that I interacted with when I was here before, I hope you are well.
In response to: Hello darkness my old friend
NatureLoverSenior Contributor
Hi @Lilly6 , good to hear from you 🙂
The 10 subsidised sessions per year have increased to 20 during Covid, so for another year at least...that might help?
(Wow, your psychologist is expensive!) But I'm glad you have a good one and a good relationship with them.
Well done on doing the hard yards @Lilly6 🙂
In response to: Re: Hello darkness my old friend
Unknown userMember
In response to: Hello darkness my old friend
Unknown userMember
Hey @Lilly6,
I can relate to the expense of ongoing therapy, it's really such an obstacle to care.
Without knowing your situation, I'm wondering whether there are any services which provide group programs that possibly assist with your mental health needs? I'm thinking local community groups, outpatients programs etc.
You could also give the SANE counselling support line a call to chat through the possibilities for alternatives which might be a bit more affordable. The number is 1800 187 263.
I know it's hard @Lilly6, but you're doing an amazing job advocating for your needs just by reaching out here 💛
In response to: Re: Hello darkness my old friend
AppleblossomSenior Contributor
Had a lovely walk by the river this morning. @Lilly6
A couple of ladies wanted to walk further but I had done my limit. 1 1/2 hours slow pace, with a few stretches thrown in.
I am concerned at the expenses in therapy, but we all have to do what we can with what we have. I have tried to manage on a shoestring, and even now I am on NDIS I am mindful of spending govt money. I saw this article today which is about doctors going where the money is not where the need is.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-19/victoria-shortage-of-gps-melbourne-outer-suburbs/100757534
seems to be losing its focus on a helping profession. I am not going to feel guilty for being on NDIS. Its not all fun and games.
Hang in there @Lilly6 Try and find your best path through the wilderness ... or the bureacracy.
In response to: Re: Hello darkness my old friend
Shaz51Senior Contributor
thinking of you lots today @Lilly6 🙏
way to go for this morning @Appleblossom ❤️
hello @NatureLover , @Former-Member
@Former-Member, you have changed your profile picture
In response to: Re: Hello darkness my old friend
Unknown userMember
You have an eagle eye, @Shaz51 😊Yes I have, this one gives me good vibes so I'm running with it 😄
In response to: Re: Hello darkness my old friend
Shaz51Senior Contributor
very good @Former-Member 👍
In response to: Re: Hello darkness my old friend
Lilly6Senior Contributor
@Former-Member Thank you. Everything is expensive here unless community mental health and I did not like them much. I think they try but are under resourced. I feel that my psychologist, as good as she is, and their practice though is only there for the money and if I can’t afford it will be thrown to the kerb. And that’s just how it is.
Thank you for the suggestion of the sane counselling support line, I hadn’t considered that. Right now though I am having trouble seeing past how I am feeling right now. Have a case of the “what’s the point of being here” going on.
In response to: Re: Hello darkness my old friend
Lilly6Senior Contributor
Thank you @Appleblossom It definitely is not fun and games. I am glad you enjoyed your walk. 💕
In response to: Re: Hello darkness my old friend
Lilly6Senior Contributor
@NatureLover Yes I suppose covid is doing something right when it results in more funded sessions. It is still very expensive though and sadly apparently that is the average cost for psychologists in private practice.
Doesn’t make me feel good in between sessions though when I don’t really feel supported. I don’t feel I can turn to them. I stupidly reached out to Lifeline tonight and got the usual platitudes like “I am hearing that you feel alone”….. blah blah. Again they are human and underfunded. Just wish there was a magic pill that could make everything good - would make things so much easier! This is all so hard, every day.
I hope you are doing ok now. 💕
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
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