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Hi Kato,

Welcome to the forums!

Good on you for getting yourself back on track. That self awareness and acknowledgement is something that people battle with.

I'm surprised your GP didn't refer you to someone. It sounds like he/she has left you to find one. Is that correct?

There are two main directories that I'm aware of;

Beyond Blue: They have a directory for all professionals which you can find here

The Australian & NZ College of psychiatrists: they have a directory specifically for psychiatrists, which you can find here

Again, welcome to the forums.

NikNik

Hi Kato,

Have you had a negative experience with psychiatrists based at hospitals?

I totally understand your point around how much easier it is to write/type than talk. Whenever I'm emotional I can never get out what I want to get out (& it makes me more upset). I've taken to writing notes. I write exactly what I want to say. Sometimes I give that note as a 'letter' for someone else to read, sometimes I just read it out loud to the person (I find this best because I forget that I'm not reading my own words and I'm focusing on reading, rather than the content) or sometimes I find just writing it down helps me get my thoughts in order and I don't need the notes (but I have them on hand just in case)

Would this be useful for you seeking help face to face or on the phone?

Just letting you know, we stop moderating in a few mins. You can still post & your post won't be lost, but it will go live at 5pm AEST tomorrow.

It's been great to 'meet' you 🙂

NikNik

Hello Kato.

My name is John. I can't write much right now because I am tired and need very much to go to bed.

First of all, I need to say that what works for me might not work for you, but...

I was diagnosed with Bi-polar Affective Disorder fifteen years ago, after a nine month manic episode.

No-one, not my family or friends, and least of all me, knew what was going on at the time.

There were a number of issues that, together, I think, triggered that episode...Some: A very, very, stressful work and relationship problem, and not in the least, massive marijuana consumption.

I am very wary of psychologists. Good ones are few and far between I believe. Bad ones can actually be quite dangerous.

Try to see a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is licenced to prescribe medication. And as much as you might not want to take it (I know!), it should help.

If you want to ask me anything about my experience, I will try to answer. Just, not too much at once, or I will get overwhelmed.

Hiya Kato,

Cool name. (Kato is the servant and chauffer for the Green Hornet, played by Bruce Lee in the 1966 tv show.)

My state and most of Oz has a Mental Health Act. I found it through the internet in like, 30 seconds.

Perhaps more useful is this link: The title says it all

"A dummy's guide to the Mental Health legal system NSW."

The system is weighted towards the the legal rights of the person seeking psychiatric care.

And I quote: " In most circumstances, the patient has the right to choose, provided they have the capacity to make an informed decision."

This means that as a Voluntary patient you can leave the hospital, and refuse treatment that you don't consent to.

The other classification is that of Invountary patient, which involves A: proof of mental illness ( Duh) and B: (here's the punchline) proof that the patient is at risk of serious harm to themself or others.

With Involuntary admission, there's a crapload of paperwork, assessment by 2 docs, and then a Magistrate.

That's some serious sh*t right there, bro.

I've been admitted twice, both times with the Involuntary classification.

One time took just short of a week to get out. The staff were cool, my fellow patients not bad on the whole considering we were all batsh*t.

The other time took a couple hours. Getting arrested was no fun, but by the first interview I was able to get a grip.

Now I just phone ahead if I have the time to spare (and the insight) and go to the local hospital psych ward.

If you have someone to go with you that would be another positive. They will be respected and listened to.

All these other posts are very useful. Thanks people!

I Kato. Take care.