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Mental Health advocate

jean4New Contributor

Mental Health advocate

Hi 🙂

I have no idea if something like this exists but I was wondering if anyone knows of anything like an advocate service where I can have someone that is better trained, sit with me and support me in an appointment with a Dr to obtain a mental health care plan and medication potentially.

I have struggled with my mental health for the past 10 years since I was 16. Some years much worse than others. Lately I thought I was doing a little better. But I've really been isolating myself at home as a coping mechanism. And that has been slowly snowballing into other not so great coping habits.

I'm much better at knowing what is going wrong and what I need and I have better vocab to describe my feelings now than at 16, but from my experience when I was younger, some doctors just have no idea how to talk about mental health and I really just can not deal with the condescending "have you tried mindfulness or getting out in the sun".

I'm unwell and I need someone to take me seriously because this hesitation I have is creating a real barrier for me.

Im really just sick of the textbook responses some healthcare workers can give. I'm a human being, just talk to me like one.

[edited by moderator]

It's slowly creeping to a point that I really am trying to avoid.

Thank you.

5 replies

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In response to: Mental Health advocate

DogMan79Senior Contributor

Re: Mental Health advocate

Hi @jean4

I have looked into this myself

Private advocates are exorbitantly expensive

Apparently NDIS SW's can act as advocates

If you have a trusted loved one, family member, partner, or close friend, they can be the most convenient option for most people

In response to: Mental Health advocate

tymeModerator

Re: Mental Health advocate

HI @jean4 ,

Welcome to the forums. It sounds like you have had long standing challenges when it comes to accessing adequate support for your mental health.

Have you spoken to your treating team that you cannot stand being asked to do minfulness or sit in the sun and that you find it condescending?

I can totally relate to this because I always felt this way too in the past... until I understood the science minfulness and getting out in the sun was underpinned by. Nevertheless, it doesn't change the fact that for now, you find it really upsetting when people say things like that. I hear you.

Whilst we are not able to share details of doctors/advocates etc, I wonder if you'll be interested to work with a psychosocial recovery facilitator at SANE to work through some of these challenges you are experiencing? You can have a look at SANE's Recovery Club if you want to register https://www.sane.org/recovery-club

Everyone's journey is unique.

I look forward to hearing others' experiences on the forums too. Hopefully other members can provide some insight.

Also, just a quick note that due to Community Guidelines, your post above was edited to remove the request for practitioners in a certain area. This is to help preserve your anonymity. You can read the guidelines here: https://saneforums.org/t5/help/faqpage/title/community-guidelines

In response to: Mental Health advocate

DimitySenior Contributor

Re: Mental Health advocate

@jean4 IMHO if gps were skilled and empathetic perhaps there'd be no need for intermediaries or advocates.

Last time I saw a gp I was told "Your mental health isn't my responsibility " and re the physical problem I also asked about, she said "I don't know everything" .

In response to: Re: Mental Health advocate

GlistenSenior Contributor

Re: Mental Health advocate

@Dimity I am absolutely gobsmacked and I have no words except expletives.

In response to: Re: Mental Health advocate

AppleblossomSenior Contributor

Re: Mental Health advocate

@jean4 if it is a half decent gp they should know they should just write a mental health care plan. No sweat. No need for condescending tips, cos they should recognise they are in fact a General practitioner.

That you are avoiding it is really sad. I am sorry you have been put off by gps with poor people skills.

If you have some support person, bring them, but the doctor should know what to do. I struggled with poor gps for last 6 years and avoided them too.

But I did meet a good doctor this month. Keep trying. You deserve it.

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Back to top
SANE logo
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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.

Donate Now
Aboriginal flag
Torres Strait Islander flag
LGBT flag
Transgender flag

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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