Mental Health Week Special: Submit your questions to our special guests

Thank you to all the guests who shared their wisdom and experience during this segment.

I'm looking forward to listening to the full interviews on the podcast.

Thank you to these courageous men for not only taking that step to get help but also, for then sharing their experiences with us. As a middle aged woman whose only recently been diagnosed with Bipolar after having been undermedicated and self-medicating with wine for years.... I so relate to these men. And also, hats off to the carers. Again, thank you.

Hi,

My question is to Dr. Mark Cross.

My friend was recently told by her treating psychiatrist not to have counselling for her illness as it would be of no benefit to her. She has severe anxiety and is on a lot of medication. She is stable - not suicidal, able to function on a daily basis and able to socialize within a limited sphere.

I was wondering do you ever advise patients not to partake in talking therapy? What is the rationale behind this? Do you think a patient could be 'damaged' by counselling?

Thank you in advance!

Sahara.

HI @Sahara,

As a general principle for treatment of mood disorders I usually involve psychologists/therapists as well as looking at social issues (alcohol/drugs/tension at home) as well as sleep, diet and exercise-on top of medication-sometimes I don't even prescribe medication, it depends on what will help the person and where they are in terms of their journey.

I am in favour of anyone being involved in "talking therapy", I see someone (psychologist) regularly myself, it is not only useful it is a good thing to try and understand yourself and improve on your strategies and thoughts.

Mark

I live in a large metroplitan area, but am on the lower socioeconomic side of town. It seems there are less doctors who practise other therapeutic methods apart from medication. Personally I have typically driven a long way to get quality mental health care. However the need in my area is very great.

I wonder what any of the practitioners have to say about equal access to care.