How to move forward?

Hey @2oo-2oo

Welcome to the forums. Sounds like a really difficult period. It's great that you have recognised that you need assistance and are seeking that. Have you got a GP which you like? A GP could write you up a mental health plan and that would give you up to 10 sessions with a psychologist. Also SANE has a guided service which you could enrol in. Lifeline is a good option if you feel you need someone to chat to tonight. Do any of these services appeal to you? And of course, venting here on the forums is a good way to get it out too. Maybe someone else also has some suggestions. Good on you for looking for help.

@Ainjoule small town GP is a month to two month wait list but I will definitely look further into the SANE guided service. Thank you for your suggestion.

Hi @2oo-2oo, welcome to the forum. It must have been such a difficult time with how close this family member came and the stress afterwards. Anyone would be struggling after that and i'm assuming that it's just all coming out now. Is this the case?

Wow, a couple of month wait to see a GP?! That hardly seems helpful to anyone, but sadly not that surprising these days. I was going to suggest the same thing as @Ainjoule, you might find the helpful and quicker than waiting to see your GP. You could also try the crisis lines like Lifeline as they are there to support people worried about someone. You can also contact them via text or chat as well if you find that easier. It may help you deal with your own issues you are dealing with now.

Hey @2oo-2oo,
Perhaps this company can also help with finding a way forward https://www.mindspot.org.au/.

Do check out the guided service from Sane too.
WIth the GP wait, maybe there is a clinic that can do a telehealth appointment?

I know that stuck feeling and its awful!

Hi @2oo-2oo

It sounds like supporting your family member through this experience has been traumatising, especially as you’ve only been able to start processing it now after being in "action mode" as a carer.

It’s completely understandable that you're feeling not okay after the fact.

Being closely involved with someone struggling with suicidal thoughts or attempting to end their life can have a profound impact.

Secondary trauma is a real and serious effect, where those supporting the individual may feel emotionally and physically drained. This often leads to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, depression, and disturbances in sleep.

Caring for a loved one in crisis is incredibly difficult, and it's essential to take care of your own well-being and build a strong support system around you.

My own son has experienced suicidal ideation and has attempted to take his life. While he now has professional support in place, it doesn’t stop the constant worry and anxiety I carry about his safety and well-being.

As his support person, I’ve learned that I need to make time for my own self-care. I stay connected with my psychologist via FaceTime and take time for activities I enjoy, gardening, yoga, and swimming in the ocean, to help lighten the emotional load.

It’s so important to find someone to talk to and debrief with.

I know accessing GP appointments can be challenging, as I also live in a rural area.

May I suggest contacting your local community center, as many offer free counselling services.

The national Head to Health website might also be useful: https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/finding-help/getting-started.

And remember, Sane is always here for you, offering understanding and support.

I hope your family member is getting the help they need, and please make sure to take care of yourself too, you deserve it.

Kindly Alisse

Hi @2oo-2oo

Welcome to the forums. I'm sorry to hear about your close family members suicide attempt. It's good to hear that they are now more calm/at ease and they are receiving the treatment they need.

I just want to say that the emotions you are experiencing at the moment are a totally normal response to what you have experienced.

There have already been some great recommendations from other SANE community members here, and a mental health care plan is definitelya good idea when you can see your GP, but I just wanted to chime in and ask if you have an employee assistance program (EAP) with your employer or your family members? I know how hard it can be to get to see any medical professional in a small rural town, and EAPs offer assistance for people in remote locations.

If this is not an option for you please keep in contact with us here on the forums until you can get access to professional help. The community at SANE will always be here to support and listen to you.

Warm regards

SkySeeker22

(I hope you all see this, I thought a blanket reply was easier than individually) Thank you to everyone who has responded. I have been in contact with lifeline and have been given some resources. I will also be registering for the SANE program.

It good to know others have been there although I don't wish this on anyone either.

I still don't know how I feel, I don't know that there are any words to describe the confusion and conflict I am facing. I appreciate all the resources you have each given me.

@2oo-2oo

@SkySeeker22 @Alisse @AimingToThrive @Ainjoule

I've tagged everyone in so they get notified about you reply. You can tag people by typing '@' and then a list of names will appear and you can sele t one to add a tag for them. You can repeat this for multiple people.

Well done for reaching out to those services. I know its a big step and a lot of people find it so hard, so well done. I really hope you find them both helpful in your own healing.

You don't have to describe how you're feeling. You've described what you've been through and we can appreciate how it must have affected you and we all want to see you get that support anyone who as had to do what you've done would need.

Good luck and let us know how you're doing, we're all here for you if you need it, even if its just for a chat... there's plenty of more social discussions here as well. Everyone is welcome to join in.

@MJG017 thank you for your caring response and taging eveyone. This platform is a learning experience as well. While I still don't really know how I feel today has been a much calmer day, spending it surrounded by family.

I will continue to engage with the supports until I am able to consistently manage our new normal.

I have also found other threads to engage in.