Hi Jason,
I hope you don’t mind me popping into your thread to maybe add some thoughts on your situation.
It seems to me that you have been under all sorts of stress lately and have very little support. In these overwhelming situations, I find that most people go into a kind of primitive “fight or flight” response where they either want to run away and hide, or punch someone! These responses were great when we were cavemen and probably helped us survive out there in those primitive times, but in 2017 those responses don’t work so well and get us into more trouble.
What is needed now is to override our “gut feeling”, our initial primitive reflexes and use our big human brains to look at things more clearly. Surviving in 2017 is more complex and you need skills like patience and trust and knowing how to get people on side with you.
So, although it feels sometimes like the “wrong” thing to do, as in not your natural response …. I strongly advise you to put away your primitive reflexes and use your big human brain to do what makes you the best, healthiest version of yourself.
That sometimes involves being patient with the health system which I agree is slow and inefficient and can feel uncaring. Don’t take it personally! Its like that with everyone. Use your big human brain to work out ways to get the best out of it for you. For example.. Being super calm and kind to your social worker at Centrelink might make her WANT to help you more and advocate more on your behalf (remember that most Centrelink staff are super stressed and overworked themselves! )OR maybe writing down a list of what is bothering you with your health . A clear list in order of priority for your GP so they know where to start and how to manage things for you. Take the list in . It may have things like
1. painful ankle
2. difficulty sleeping
3. nightmares or night terrors
4. headaches ….
or whatever is bothering you .. These lists help the GP to know what is going on for you and in what order they need to manage things. Doctors are also often stressed and overworked, so a clear agenda may help you get the most out of your time with them.
Once you are feeling physically stronger and less stressed and have your centrelink issues more under control, I feel you will be in a better place to tackle any further issues you have. Best to look after yourself and get strong and healthy inside before making big decisions. We all need help with this at times. Go and get the help and understand the system is not perfect ( far from it!) but its not out to upset you and use your big human brain to get the most from it that you can using modern brain skills!