Changing meds

How are you going @Appleblossom

Hi @WIP

He does get drained from his appointments. I can relate as I go occassionally for myself and afterwards I feel like a train has hit me. They are intense and I can understand your trepidation around your next one. He mainly looks forward to time with his sw as they are similar in age and interests x

I've noticed so many ppl on here have social workers, and they speak so highly of them @Anastasia

I wonder if I should enquire about getting one? I don't know how it all works

I can't speak highly enough of the change it has brought about for my boy @WIP

I knew nothing about NDIS but was fortunate enought that I was pointed in the right direction. Through months of paperwork etc he was approved and his sw started a couple of months ago. Definitely reach out. To begin with get in touch with them and request the forms to apply, I think you can possibly talk on the phone with them, I couldn't as I was doing it for my boy. Happy to answer questions, I am far from an expert as I have a coordinator who organises everything and I just touch base with her. But yes, you should enquire dear L as it has certainly made a world of difference for us. Here is the government link xxx

https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/am-i-eligible

Not too bad @WIP

gardened, spoke to son, did music.

my OT cancelled today as she is unwell, which left time for me to attend to my NDIS eligibility project.

So I went to old clinic, like my good gp said, to get to the bottom of who is doing the right thing and earning their money in the system. My good gp earns her Medicare allowance. Who is just milking the system. Cos it aint me, as I would rather be 6 foot under than be bothered with that BS. I have paid a lot in gap fees over time. Its wearing thin.

IMO Social wkrs can be fantastic. A lot depends on their actual role. Some people might be talking about support wkrs. In my poetry scene ... up popped a funny line owning the nuttiness of life. Not sure how to deliver it to my Spt wkr as I am ambivalent about the way she called my son and I nutters, I will try and do it in a way that keeps the friendhips flowing, but not sure she realises it takes thought and work from me.

Support workers only need Cert 3 or 4, whereas Social Workers have at least one year post grad.

Thanks for the info & link @Anastasia

I think I will look into it.

Ive just picked my puppy up from the vet, he had the snip today. He's totally normal...bounced out of the consulting room to greet me. We are both resting on the couch right now. Think it was more

traumatic for me, than him. 😉

You and your sons were called nutters by a health professional?!?!?!?!

Thats just unacceptable. How are you coping with that experience? @Appleblossom

Thanks for the tip on the difference between support workers & social workers.

Thats why I'm going to start seeing a clinical psychologist, not just a Counsellor or OT, cause they've done the extra study. They charge for it though!!!!

I sort of have a regular GP. To be honest I don't particularly like her. I first saw her in an emergency after having a panic attack at work.

i need to find a new one. One that does have an interest (or at least cares) in mental health. She just pushes me back to my psychiatrist - who I'm not thrilled with either. She charges me over $40 out of pocket for the priveledge of 10 mins of her time.

Have you heard of the 'Nextdoor' app? I posted in there for GP recommendations in my area and was overwhelmed with the responses. I've got too many to chose from now. Funnily enough my GP wasn't mentioned.....

good luck @WIP xxx

Hugs for brave Levi xox

I've checked the NDIS link you provided, and I don't think I'm eligible unfortunately ☹️
@Anastasia

I do appreciate you sending through the info tho.

Thanks for your thoughtful reply @WIP

I value this gp as she states her interest is MH, has done an extra psychology major along with doctoring so she does not just push it back to psychiatrist, and has been very thorough about separting out my physical issues.

My family history has a lot of complex MH issues, so I need someone who knows their stuff. Yeah the 'nutter' label bugs me, not so much about me, but my son has been having really tough MH challenges lately, so it is very insensitive. I might make a silly statement about me, but thats different. I take the risk and share deep stuff and they dont understand. She is my 'support' wkr.

I have needed to compromise a lot to get by over the years. I hang on to a doctor who is just alright, because the history is tricky. It was such a breath of fresh air that this go asked questions showing she really got it. She is past retirement age so I may not have her long, so making the most of it.