New here. Need a bit of advice

Hi @Neenie1

"Because there’s no help from Centrelink, who it seems would rather put drugs addicts onto the DSP than people who actually need/deserve it."

I think that it was either Rudd or Gillard who did away with substance use disorder as a claimable condition. It used to be. But not now

Hey @Neenie1

First of all, I am so sorry for your loss. Dealing with grief while a family member is being a 'turd burger' is exhausting enough, let alone when you're also navigating the uphill battle of an ADHD and GAD diagnosis. It's no wonder your panic attacks have been flaring up 💚

Hang in there. You’ve already done the hard part of identifying the 'why' behind your struggles. Are you looking to find a new GP who is already set up for this, or are you hoping to wait it out with your long-term doctor? 💚

Hey @Neenie1

Welcome to the Sane forums and it's great to see you reaching out here for some support 🌿 We can hear you have some really big challenges right now, including some recent losses - that all sounds really tough 🥀 I was concerned to read that you feel as if you are hanging on by a thread and have sent you an email to check in, which includes some referrals for support services. Your safety and well-being is important 🌟

TunedIn🌸

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@TunedIn wrote:

Hey @Neenie1

Welcome to the Sane forums and it's great to see you reaching out here for some support 🌿 We can hear you have some really big challenges right now, including some recent losses - that all sounds really tough 🥀 I was concerned to read that you feel as if you are hanging on by a thread and have sent you an email to check in, which includes some referrals for support services. Your safety and well-being is important 🌟

TunedIn🌸

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@Neenie1 just on this. See the below guideline

So, don't ignore that email 🙂

Hey

[edited by moderator]

I got my diagnosis during a crisis admission to hospital, so not much help there. I do know there is some clinical psychologists that’ll be able to do diagnosis etc, but they’re private. It is cheaper than a psychiatrist though. I also know sometimes they can do that under a mental health care plan to reduce the cost. I’ll put feelers out for you.

sending strength and hope your way.

Hi @Neenie1

Thanks so much for sharing your story - you have embarked on a brave journey to get some understanding of how things have impacted you growing up.

Often seeking a diagnosis requires a few hurdles - it doesn't ever feel easy to take these steps - being compassionate to yourself and seeking guidance and referrals from your GP to people who can help you seek formal diagnosis is a clear path.

This takes time and requires kindness to YOU!

I am sorry for your loss and the reaction of family - I am glad the GAD diagnosis was helpful in normalising your experiences - you are allowed to feel pain and sadness and all the things.

Take care

Mindee

@Neenie1

If I may, I would suggest you talk to your GP about getting a mental health plan in place. This gives you 6 visits to a psychologist with more then half the cost (around $230 is full cost) per visit rebated by Medicare.

The psychologist is able to give you a formal diagnosis.

The GP can then prescribe the meds.

Although not all GP's feel comfortable doing this. Just like not all GP's are going to want to use the power of diagnosis once they have it. Just because they can doesn't mean they feel capable of doing so.

I would suggest shopping around until you find a GP suitable to your needs.

Good luck and let us know if you get stuck along the way.