Lived Experience Forum

[Lauz]

Hi @Loserkiki,

Glad to see you have had some really helpful and supportive responses here. This is a really hard subject to discuss at the best of times. It can be particulalry hard when we have had difficult experiences in the healthcare system. Sometimes it can feel like people may only care when things are heightened. It can be a case however of this being the time or moment that people come out for help. In this case it is really worthwhile to reach out a little earlier when you are struggling. 

It sounds like you have a good GP, it might be worth talking to them and finding out what you can do to find further support that will suit you best. 

If you do feel at risk or do want some details on options and clincal programs you can contact these crisis services which are well informed on this subject.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or Crisis Chat

Suicide call back service: 1300 659 467 or online counselling

Samaritans: 135 247

This space cannot offer medical advice unfortunately but as you can see it is a wonderful peer support group. You may like to take some time in the social area to get your mind off things and meet some others as well - I wonder if you are into any hobbies like crafts or gardening perhaps? these can both be so theraputic!

[BluJay]

@Loserkiki I do understand, my girl is almost seven. I feel like I’m never a good enough mother or provider for her. And I hate her seeing me upset (I try to disguise it from her as best as I can).

But honestly your daughter won’t be better off without you. And i don’t think she’ll ever see you as a failure, when she’s older and understands she’ll see how hard you fought and tried.

My girl is the one thing that ALWAYS makes me not give in to the little voices that convince me I’m a piece of crap. I just would hate to make the decision that this was the end and then my girl think it’s her fault and then her grow up and turn out like me.

Does your daughter hug you? Tell you she loves you?

I’m so sorry you’re going through this 😞

[Loserkiki]

@BluJay My daughter is my only joy we are very close, very affectionate. She is starting to notice we don’t do as much physically or go out a lot, it makes me so frustrated, I just want to be better

[utopia]

@Loserkiki. You weren't  being insensitive.  You simply asked a question. 

I imagine it would be very tough after your psychologist passed away.  It can take so long to find a bond and a therapist that we are comfortable with. 

So it must be hard for you to not have any  mental health specialists looking after you. 

I'd  be lost without my psychologist. We work well together. 

The 18 months was mainly down to having a terribly unstable psychiatrist - then I found a good one.  But he had to start at the beginning  with my meds.  His attitude is let's try for the lowest dose that will help.  So it took a while to finally get a mood stabiliser.  But that med has seemed to do the trick. I'm  very relieved.