Changing meds

Hi @BPDSurvivor

Happy Friday to you!!

No plans for me today. I'm trying to book in with a psychologist, but having a lot of trouble finding one who is taking on new clients. I'm getting very frustrated and anxious about it all.

There's a couple who have been kind enough to get back to me with a recommendation, but those ones are very expensive $220 a session! But that seems to be the going rate for a Clinical Psychologist. I have a mental health plan, but the subsidy from Medicare is only around $125 I think.

Its all very overwhelming. I can't afford that much on a regular basis, and I'm sure I'll need ongoing therapy as medication alone isn't effective.

I also have an appointment with a new psychiatrist on Monday. I made the appointment 3 months ago when I was really frustrated by my current guy. She had a long waiting list. I'm getting all worked up about that appointment too. I don't know if I've done the right thing to try someone new when I'm in the middle of trying new meds. I'm probably just going to confuse my situation by introducing another opinion.

Anyway, I'm trying to be calm and rational today with my thoughts, but I'm losing the battle. Today is a day where 'it's all too hard'.

@NatureLover

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@WIP wrote:

Anyway, I'm trying to be calm and rational today with my thoughts, but I'm losing the battle. Today is a day where 'it's all too hard'.

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I'm sorry to hear this...I hope your thinking and your day improves, if possible... @WIP

Good luck with the appointment with the new psychiatrist on Monday...I will be thinking of you.

Thanks very much @NatureLover

In preparation for Monday, I thought I would type up some notes on my mental health history, recent life events that have contributed to a decline in my MH and medications, treatments, therapy tried/failed, to give to the new psychiatrist a heads up. I sent those off to her office this afternoon, so hopefully she will read them before the appointment and we'll get more time talking about possible action plans, rather than spending the entire session me telling my story. I found out today that it's a video call, instead of F2F.

Thays made me feel I've accomplished something today, other than getting frustrated at trying to book into a psychologist. I've decided to let that go for this afternoon and will tackle again early next week. The new psychiatrist may even have a recommendation herself for me?

How's your Friday going?

@WIP ,

I hate it when money becomes and issue because it means only the wealthy are allowed to be well while the poorer suffer, thus widening the gap.

I've been fortunate enough to always be in the public system. It won't last forever, but because I am case-managed, I am still under my area mental health team which means a treating team consisting of a case manager, psychologist, psychiatrist and consultant registrar is on my case. I will be moving into the private sector soon... but just waiting.

Are you case-managed? It is generally for more complex cases, but if you are, perhaps you could ask for a recommmendation for a psychologist? I spoke to a psychologist yesterday and he said there has been an influx of referrals due to Covid19. People are struggling everywhere.

take care,

BPDSurvivor

No, I'm not case managed @BPDSurvivor

Never been in the public system, always gone to private hospital.

I've been financially stable all my life, but not working last year chewed into my savings and then with Covid isolation hitting when I was starting to look for work, it out a hold on job prospects.

Mum has been super generous and said she will help out with medical costs when I need it. She doesn't want money to be a reason I may miss out on getting well with the help I need.

Just tapping into my Dads inheritance a little early maybe 😉

Yeah, covid has increased the number of referrals to psychologists and I suspect the goods ones, who already had regular clients, booked them well in advance so they would miss their spot due to new bookings.

I'll find someone, I'm sure. I just don't want to waste time 'trialling' out ppl who don't come

recommended, as it may be a bit hit & miss as to if I 'click' with them.

you take care too 😊

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@WIP wrote:

In preparation for Monday, I thought I would type up some notes on my mental health history, recent life events that have contributed to a decline in my MH and medications, treatments, therapy tried/failed, to give to the new psychiatrist a heads up. I sent those off to her office this afternoon, so hopefully she will read them before the appointment and we'll get more time talking about possible action plans, rather than spending the entire session me telling my story.

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Well done, that is an important document, and I assume you could add to it and use it for future reference too, in case of starting with other doctors if needed. An excellent achievement 🙂 @WIP

My Friday started badly but has improved a bit as the day went on, thanks.

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that your day started badly, but glad it improved a bit over the course of the day @NatureLover

I hope you get a good nights rest and tomorrow is better for you 😊

It was supposed to be a brief history of my MH, but it took 3 pages of typing - but longer than expected.....I included things from when I was initially diagnosed 20 years ago, and then everything from the last 18 months took a lot of explaining. Gee, I had a bloody tough year last year!! And covid has wiped this year out so far 😢

@WIP ,

Don't you hate it when seeing someone new you have to go through your story - AGAIN?! Thank God I haven't had that many changes to have to go through retelling my story AGAIN and AGAIN. It's great you were able to think ahead and send those papers through early.

I hope the appt goes well!

Have a great day!

BPDSurvivor

Morning @BPDSurvivor

Yes, I HATE having to go over my story again with someone new, at the same time hoping I 'like' the new person I've been waiting months to see.
I'm trying not to worry about it too much until Monday, but my anxiety is getting the better of me.

Hope you enjoy your weekend after such a busy week.

WIP

Sorry to hear your anxiety about Monday's appointment is so bad, @WIP ...it's even too wet and cold for a walk today as a distraction! Thinking of you...