Getting Help for Mental Health or AOD Issues

Thanks for sharing @Oaktree

For me, finding the right counsellor made such a difference.

Over the years I’ve seen quite a few different people and there have really only been two that made me feel like I was getting a handle on things.

I always tell people now to not be afraid of trying someone new if you don’t feel a good rapport. Trusting your therapist and feeling like they “get you” is so important.

I used my DVA White Card to get treatment and my GP was great in helping me find the right person.

@Magpie22

I have been seeing a psychologist for the past year now. I have found it really helpful. I trust her and have a good relationship with her. I think that is so important. I did see one at the community mental health clinic but we didn’t see things the same way and it ended badly. It took me a long time to be ready to try again

Thank you for sharing @Oaktree @Magpie22 .

I look forward to hearing the contributions of the rest of the community.

@MtLittleJoe

Have you got anything to add to this discussion? I would be interested to hear about your experiences with help seeking

I've been of full time since 2007 and have seen a psychologist for talk therapy a handful of time which I found supportive in that they listened. The BEST results I've had were from holistic approaches to healing such as breathwork, qi-gong (mindful movement), fascia massages and bodywork, kinesology, acupuncture, contrast therapy and infared saunas + have tried some plant medicines. Through trying these different approaches for myself I have made authentic connections within the community and feel seen, heard and understood better than with any psychologist... highly recommend exploring that works for you Xxx

Hi @Oaktree

my biggest thing was finding the correct medication - most psychiatrists see PTSD/abdiety/depression and give out serotonin (SSRI) antidepressants and anti anxiety meds that are addictive little things. I had 2 inpatient stays in private hospitals for addiction and they were excellent. I was so embarrassed to admit I had an addiction and was so scared of going in to hospital but the staff were all so lovely as were the other patients. Connecting with other patients and hearing them speak about other disorders helped me learn a lot, and realised we were all scared coming in!
also exercise helped a lot, especially doing it in nature. At first I was worried about going to a gym because I didn’t want to be judged but doing it with an exercise physiologist helped heaps. Now I know everyone’s there doing their own thing and don’t even notice me!

I’ve had some amazing psychologists too.

Making friends outside the defence/veteran circle also, highly recommend. Hobby groups, team sports, reading groups, they all lead to great connections.

I sidetracked myself and didn’t make the point I wanted to haha

funnily enough ten point I was making is it wasn’t until I was diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed DNRIs (dopamine noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors) and went off the serotonin based ones that I improved A LOT.

obviously they haven’t kicked in yet haha!

the thing about ADHD is it isn’t as easily detectable as it’s similar to anxiety and traits align with PTSD. Again I thank my amazing psychiatrist for realising I was yapping too much one day and asked me if I was always like that haha!

people with ADHD are also more susceptible to addiction as we are lacking the dopamine needed, and if we’re getting more serotonin and don’t need it it can make us feel terrible, and chasing dopamine through drug, alcohol, doom scrolling, and other toxic activities that will probably get flagged but you know where I’m going.

Thanks for sharing this amazing list of services for Veterans @Oaktree! I am sure that many Members will benefit from being able to find a list of services and how they can support them in one post on the Forums. Nice work! Thanks again 🙂 RiverSeal ❤️