where to get help if your not coping / stressed

[slaine]

Thought it might help to list some ways to get assistance, for when you feel overwhelmed, and it requires a bit more than a beer or cheap catch phrases like 'build a bridge', "lifes cruel" etc.

1st point, if in doubt, ask earlier rather than later, it is a lot easier to deal with early....

2nd point - most people will cope with shit (doesnt mean they are weak when they dont), but if you are coping, you dont have to go for 20 sessions with a therapist just because some one else does. (but remember point 1). If you have struggeled with stress in the past, you are more likely to stuggle when stressed in the future, know your stengths and weaknesses.

We all rely on friends and family in the 1st place, talking, supporting, being emotional is normal and works.

If you feel it is getting out of hand, or people close to you tell you they are concerned for you, suggest you seek help....

1- See your GP. They are very good at this, and can assess how serious it is, and if need be refer on to specialists. They can also help short term with sleep, and various syptoms if required.

2- Talk to various help / support lines, such as:

CrisisCare 9223 1111

Lifeline 131 114

Mens line 1300 78 99 78

Women's Domestic Violence Crisis 9442 5777


Mental Health Emergency Response Line (MHERL)
Staffed by mental health professionals, the mental health call centre will provide expert and accurate telephone response to acute mental health issues. All callers will be triaged and referred to the most appropriate acute response team according to the level of clinical priority.
MHERL Telephone Numbers:
Perth Metro Residents: 1300 555 788
Peel Residents: 1800 676 822
TTY: 1800 720 101


There are plenty of members here within the mental health / psychologist / counsellor field, most of us are happy to help if required, but it often isnt appropriate to offer more than basic advice and support,as can make the next group ride difficult for both parties.

Hope this helps, Hope others chip in

(ps , last point, just because some works in a field, doesnt mean they are good at it, pays to try and do some home work, again, GP's know who gets results in your area, dud therapists dont get results and the patients end back with the GP...) (trust me, there are some Duds out there...)

[slaine]

My area of expertise (like that word..) is schizophrenia/ psychosis, Bipolar, Drug induced psychosis, borderline personality disorder, psychotic depression, depression and anxiety,personality disorder, risk assessment, crisis intervention, Mental health act, medications (of listed disorders), suicide prevention, a bit of drug and alcohol.

I am not too good with relationship stuff, sexuality (dont go there), PTSD (post traumatic), deep and meaningful's, navel gazing.

Happy to offer advice if required.

cheers!

[fr0st]

Good post,

I've always had problems with depression so I went to my GP one day and talked to him about it all. They are fairly quick to get you on anti-depressants (which aren't an answer, they just smooth you out a little) but they will help with putting you on to a decent therapist and in my case I was able to get on a mental health scheme which subsidises a certain number of psychologist visits each year.

If there are any PSB'er out there that are going through something similar to me and need a chat just send me a PM and I will make time to catch up. I found myself feeling quite isolated since I never found a lot of comfort in talking to people that haven't experienced what you're going through except by reading it in a book. I found a friend similar to me to talk to which helped immensly, I'm more than happy to return the favour for anyone that asks.

[shmoo]

You see the problem is communication....too much communication.

I kid.

It is a pity that so many people are still reluctant to ask for help. There's no shame in it at all. In fact, I'd suggest that it shows great strength of character if you admit you're struggling and seek help.

[Desmo]

My area of expertise (like that word..) is schizophrenia/ psychosis, Bipolar, Drug induced psychosis, borderline personality disorder, psychotic depression, depression and anxiety,personality disorder, risk assessment, crisis intervention, Mental health act, medications (of listed disorders), suicide prevention, a bit of drug and alcohol.

Doctor/Psych/Shrink/Counsellor?
Just curious.

[mekon]

Psych Nurse looking at profile, I wondered but had a look, as always a little sceptical when someone offers up advice without industry qualifications, especially when they start saying they did self development courses and want to offer good vibes training.

Slaine would be a legit point of contact I'd say.

[Sventek]

My area of expertise (like that word..) is schizophrenia/ psychosis, Bipolar, Drug induced psychosis, borderline personality disorder, psychotic depression, depression and anxiety,personality disorder, risk assessment, crisis intervention, Mental health act, medications (of listed disorders), suicide prevention, a bit of drug and alcohol.

I am not too good with relationship stuff, sexuality (dont go there), PTSD (post traumatic), deep and meaningful's, navel gazing.

Happy to offer advice if required.

cheers!

So, are you saying that you can treat these disorders?

[slaine]

mental health / psychiatric nurse, have been for 20 years.

Yes, i am part of a 'treatment team'' dealing with these disorders, I work at a public mental health clinic. medications are often a huge part of the treatment , and only Drs prescribe.

happy to assist and offer advice, it is important not to replace GP/normal services.

[slaine]

cool Frost, Gp's can refer to psychologists under medicare for 6 to 12 sessions, called 'better outcomes', we suggest it a lot. biggest problem is finding a therepist who meets your needs, like all jobs, some a re great, some crap.....

medication is often the thing that starts the improvement, not the be all, but does make a difference.

[Gippo]

How can speaking to someone you don't know possibly help?

How can it make what is not going well go well?

[Intherough]

Sometimes it helps to speak to someone totally outside of your circle of people to get unbiased views and a different perspective. It can help you think about the issues your grappling with from another point of view instead of being stuck in the same thinking pattern. Being stuck in that rut that just makes the problem seem worse than what it really is.

[tim the pool man]

Gippo of course it can help. It might not change your circumstances (but it might) but it can certainly help you find a way of dealing with it.

To add my 2c worth, if anyone is struggling with anxiety, particularly agoraphobia, I'm happy to talk, as I know first hand that it is possible to get through it and regain a life

[filbert]

How can speaking to someone you don't know possibly help?

How can it make what is not going well go well?

They can assist in building your coping skills Gippo or medications to help you through, even getting an unbiased view of whether it's normal to be struggling, I went through certain issues a while back and it was helpful to be told I wasn't over reacting that it was a lot to deal with and I was actually doing well etc, other times I've been told it is depression and a bit of talking about it helped me see that because of that I was taking on responsibility for other peoples behaviour and problems and making them my own.

[Captain Starfish]

Ignore doesn't block quotes.

[Gippo]

Cheers tim the pool man I can appreciate that talking helps "get it off the chest"

just feel that it changes nothing other than dumping on someone else. I got heaps to carry at the moment and its not something that can be shared...

[shmoo]

get another perspective perhaps?

[Gippo]

Captain Starfish - you poor thing, forced to read Gippo comments must be fucking tragic for you, good luck with that...

5char

[slaine]

often talking to some one who isnt a mate or reli, you get an honest , unbiased response, not based on a previous relationship. Talking to a 'professional'/ therapist / what ever, they are trained and experienced, and have knowledge about such conditions. you will not be the 1st person depressed / anxious / paranoid etc. they know what generally works and how best to fix it.

you dont take your bike to a boat repair shop, you could, they probably would fix it, badly, and take longer... (not sure if thats a great example, had a small glass of vino...night)

[Deej]

Computer Games. Self medicating depression treatment.

Non self medicating? BJ's.

This message has been brought to you by Dr Deej. MIKFA (Oxford).

[potato]

Computer Games. Self medicating depression treatment.

Non self medicating? BJ's.

This message has been brought to you by Dr Deej. MIKFA (Oxford).

your avatar pic, at first glance , looks like its saying PANIC