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Should I Seek Professional Help?

EmeraldE
Community Member

Hi there everyone, I'm very new to Beyond Blue so I was hoping if someone could help me out.

Recently, I've been through some really anxiety-inducing family issues that have left me feeling numb emotionally and even more recently, with an inability to concentrate and an overwhelming desire to just stay in bed and not get up. The fact that it's cold outside really doesn't help to much either.

I'm in my second last year of highschool and have been feeling really unmotivated in class, despite having early been really looking forward to this year's studies. I come from a poor family from my mum's side (who I live with) and she's going through a really bad time with her divorce and is having to sell her family home and move us in with my grandmother who lives quite far away from my school and this has stressed her and myself out immensely. Since my dad took my mum to court, I haven't spoken to him but in years before that, we had visited him and his (admittedly terrible) girlfriend and her daughter. During that time I developed a fear of conflict (as he is quite loud when angry) and a severe fear of touch that I *think* might be haphephobia? I've also always had issues with sleep and have been unable to fall asleep before midnight for a few years now.

My mother is going through a lot at the moment and doesn't have the time or money for my issues, so I don't want to worry her. However, I can see that my mental health has been affected deeply by the ongoing issues throughout my childhood so I want to get some professional opinions here. Should I seek out a therapist/psychologist/councilor? If so, how would I go about doing that and what would it cost me, assuming that I would likely have to fund such a thing through my own funds to not put pressure on my mother.

I'm sorry this post was so long, but I hope someone can give me some advice, as I have been meaning to do this for a while, but hadn't built up the motivation until today's little scare. I'm looking forward to hearing from someone.

3 Replies 3

Summer Rose
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi EmeraldE

Welcome to the bb forum and thank you for sharing your story. Sounds like you've had a rough go of it and I can certainly understand why and how this has taken a toll on your mental health. I'm really sorry that you are feeling unwell and I think you are very brave to make your first post and to seek help. With the right treatment, life gets better.

There are a couple of options for you to consider ...

You could contact headspace. They have over 100 centres--sort of "one-stop shops" for mental health for young people--across Australia. You can make an appointment and they will talk you through their process and how they can potentially help you. If you don't live close to a centre they also offer online and email services. The services are offered free of charge.

You can also go and have a chat with your GP about how you are feeling (book a double-appointment) and see what treatment options tailored to your specific situation that your GP may come up with. Unless your GP bulk bills, this will cost whatever excess your GP charges. Your GP can prepare a mental health plan which will entitle you to Medicare rebates for up to 10 appointments (I think it's 10 but check with your GP) with a psychologist but you will face out-of-pocket costs for each appointment. The amount depends on how much the practitioner charges their patients.

You can also see if your school has a counselor and make an appointment to see him or her.

Lastly, you can give the bb support line a call on 1300 22 4636 to talk to someone and get some telephone advice. The good people who operate the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 may also be able to assist.

What do you think? Do any of these options sound right for you? No pressure to respond but I am happy to keep chatting with you and I'm sure there are lots of other people that may be able to help too.

Kind thoughts to you

Thanks so much for your speedy response!

I think for now that talking to a councilor or headspace should be my first move, just to see if I'm really in need of on going professional help, as opposed to just talk this out of my system (hopefully). One day I would like to get a full diagnosis through a psychologist but I think for now that baby steps might be best.

I really appreciate your help and I'll be sure to post something if anything progresses.

White_Rose
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

Dear EmeraldE

Welcome to the forum and thank you for telling your story. It is a concern when families are involved in fights no matter what the cause. I am sorry this has been affecting you so badly.

To go straight to your question, I think you would be wise to get some help for your mental health. The first port of call is your GP. Do you know him/her well or have a good relationship? I ask because it's easier to talk about these matters to someone you feel comfortable with.

As you are aged 14 or over you can have your own Medicare card. I recommend you do this in order not to have to ask mom for the card whenever you need to see your doctor. Just go to your nearest Medicare office with some ID and they will take you through the process. Also enquire about the Safety Net provisions for you. I'm not sure if you have to be a certain age before your medical expenses come under your own safety net provisions.

There are a number of options for your mental health.

  1. Your GP can treat you either by prescribing medication and/or therapy.
  2. Your GP can write a mental health plan for you and refer you to a psychologist. These psychologist visits are subsidised by Medicare up to ten visits per year. There is often a gap amount between the fee charged and the Medicare rebate which you are responsible for. However there are psychologists around who will charge the bulk billing fee. Your GP should know who these are but if not get a list of the psychologists and enquire about the fees and bulk billing.
  3. Your GP can refer you to a psychiatrist. You do not need a mental health plan for this. The fees have a Medicare rebate to you and you can go as often as you and the psychiatrist deem necessary. I'm not sure if many of these do bulk billing but given your age and that you are paying the fees you may find one who will bulk bill or reduce the fee. The other advantage is that a psychiatrist can prescribe medication which a psychologist cannot. Not that I'm saying you need meds, just in case.
  4. Your GP may suggest you go to a counselling service. There are organisations which do this at a very low cost or no cost. Anglicare, Salvation Army, Relationships Australia. You can contact the Kids Helpline 24/7 on 1800 55 1800. I think they have counselling online but check the webpage https://www.kidshelpline.com.au/ They are available to people aged up to 25.

I am almost out of word allowance. Hope this helps. Please post in again.

Mary