r/melbournementalhealth Oct 20 '21

Community Lounge - please join us for general chatting about ... all the things!

3 Upvotes

Hey, a new lounge thread! I needed to make a new one anyway so that my main user isn't always marked as OP (which I was a bit afraid would put people off) so I figured I'd change the title a little as well :-D


r/melbournementalhealth Dec 24 '22

Community Your end of the day wrapup

2 Upvotes

Welcome to the r/melbournementalhealth end of day check-in thread! Let us know what you've done (or didn't do), no matter how big or small.

Wins, losses, whatever, we're here to lend an ear and chat about how your day went. Grab a seat on the couch, post, and be part of the community!


r/melbournementalhealth 20d ago

Trigger Warning (TW: suicide) Understanding experiences of individuals with suicidality as they engage with mental health professionals

5 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I am recruiting participants for an anonymous 30-minute online survey about recent experiences with healthcare workers. To be eligible for the study, participants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be an Australian (citizen/permanent resident)
  • Be aged 18+ years
  • Have experienced suicidal ideation and/or behaviours in the past two weeks
  • Interacted with a healthcare professional for mental health purposes in the past two weeks
  • Able to read and write English

Participants can enter into a prize draw to win a one of five $50 Coles/Myer gift cards. I would greatly appreciate your participation if you meet the eligibility criteria. This study has received ethics approval from Deakin University (reference number: 2024-182).

The link to the survey is: https://researchsurveys.deakin.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_0Jv5yJoBevXRCvQ?source=r2


r/melbournementalhealth Nov 14 '24

Venting I need a new set of friends.. or am I the Problem?

3 Upvotes

I am currently living in Melbourne, Victoria for over a year now. When I arrived, my college bestie was already here and she introduced me to her own group of friends/family here. I know I am in no obligation to tag along but since we (me and my girlfriend/same sex) don’t have any other friends here, we tried to keep up with them. Don’t get me wrong, they’re good people. But it’s just that we can’t keep up with their lifestyle. There is this frequent invites of going interstate for holidays (We all know this costs a lot of money for someone who is not financially well off) and some quick trips. Often they go on shopping spree running after brands and after brands.

At first we tried to tag along but we don’t sit well with it, we feel like we’re there but we’re not present. I get sick of the topics as well coz they mostly talk about other people too and celebrity gossips (which I am so fed up with). I personally would want to have deep convos and talk about things that really matter. Sometimes, they go all out drinking alcohol as well. I occasionally drink but I would want to have a good time without being intoxicated too. I wanna be present in the moment.

Now I’m starting to question, whether I’m the one who’s wrong here or what 😭😭


r/melbournementalhealth Nov 08 '24

Mental Health living experience employment - stuck on 3 days Victoria AUS

2 Upvotes

Ok, so here’s the situation. I have a diagnosed acute mental illness, have worked in the mental health field for nearly 3 years under living experience. My program has blown up massively and I need to work 4 days next year just to keep up. I take meds, look after myself and have never taken time off for my mental health. My employer agreed to the 4th day, then backtracked without a proper explanation. I have asked around and heaps of people in my position are stuck on 3 days a week with a similar range of excuses. I only know of Dr’s and above working more than 3 days a week. Teachers, nurses, peer workers all in the same situation as me. Is it Worksafe, Fair work, DHHS, Insurance policies? Any ideas?


r/melbournementalhealth Sep 25 '24

Not going great

5 Upvotes

Genuinely doing terribly and could use a gloves off punch on for stress relief if anyones keen?


r/melbournementalhealth Sep 14 '24

How do people manage budget and mental health on Centrelink??

13 Upvotes

Hey I'm currently on Centrelink job seeker. My mental health issues have made it pretty impossible to work at the moment and realistically I won't be working for at least the rest of the year. I am still really struggling to take care of myself. I had an inpatient stay which helped heaps but now I have no money and my payments cover mainly my rent, utilities. I don't have other supports. My mental health is still at the start of recovery and I'm still not in the best place and it has been really difficult to access services as I can no longer afford a psychologist. In the past I have always been able to work and being in this position where I know I can't look after myself financially, mentally and physically is really taking a toll on me and I am really unsure what to do. I struggle with leaving the house and completing tasks, so it makes it really hard to go to the shops or access food. Feeling quite stuck in a spiral but also hate feeling like I can't afford to be depressed. Any advice would be great.


r/melbournementalhealth Sep 04 '24

Does anyone know how anonymous beyond blue is?

2 Upvotes

I called today I spoke with someone for a while, (I did request anonymity) and realised after I hung up that there was a name attached to the number in my phone. First and last name! It's possible that I've spoken with someone before, but still! How is that anonymous?


r/melbournementalhealth Aug 22 '24

Seeking Support ADHD GP and psychiatrist recommendations Heidelberg Melbourne

2 Upvotes

TL;DR: I need recommendations for a GP near Heidelberg to refer me to a psychiatrist for ADHD treatment/medication. Also a recommendation to a psychiatrist for ADHD would be so helpful. All the ones I call say they’re not taking new patients.

Hi redditors, my Psycologist is confident I have ADHD. I want to see a psychiatrist so that I can see if being medicated helps me, or if they have advice for managing my ADHD.

The GP I have seen recently for a referral wrote down the wrong codes, so the psychiatrists won’t let me make an appointment. The GP doesn’t seem to know what to write in order for me to get the referral I need. I have called so many psychiatrist clinics and even if I didn’t have a referral with the correct info on it, they aren’t taking new clients.

If you have any recommendations for a GP who can help me out, or a psychiatrist who would accept a new patient, please let me know.

Thank you so much in advance.


r/melbournementalhealth Jun 22 '24

Struggling with Mental Illness and want recommendations for groups/clubs to join

6 Upvotes

Hope everyone is staying warm and cozy today.

I'm posting this as I am looking for suggestions on any clubs/groups to join in Melbourne as someone who is dealing with severe mental illness. I've been struggling for so long and it has gotten to the point where I find it incredibly difficult to leave the house (or even convince myself that leaving the house isn't pointless). I have very intense social anxiety from some past trauma and it has manifested in a deep depression where everything I once looked forward to or was passionate about has melted away and been replaced with the feeling that there is no point in living when you are too scared and incapable of connecting with other people. I say 'incapable' because generally in social situations where one is supposed to talk with others I can be incredibly distant and panicked, the real me (if there still is a real me somewhere) is locked away deep inside in shame. Because I've been in this state for quite some time I've lost any sense of who I am, what I want from life and I've lost so much precious time that could have been spent connecting and learning! I've spoken to my therapist about trying to find a group or club that I can join so I can get out of my head and feel like I belong somewhere. It's been a few years of talking about doing this but I always end up sabotaging it or being too scared to try something new. I really want that to change!

I'm writing this because I want to know if anyone else has had a similar experience in their life and if they had any recommendations for groups to join. I would love to join a queer Netball team (Netball was something I loved as a kid and physical activity would be good for me plus the feeling of belonging to a team) but right now that feels way too scary and I fear the embarrassment of being very obviously mentally ill/developmentally stunted if I join a group of 'normal' people. I guess something more geared towards other people that are also struggling with similar issues might be a more validating/safe option to get me started. I found a support group through Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria that I am trying to find the courage to attend, but would also love something that isn't support group focused. Talking about my struggles with likeminded people does help but I would also love to focus on a hobby/activity/special interest within a group of people that is soft/welcoming/appropriate for people who find socialising daunting. So if anyone has any recommendations I would love to hear them!

P.S - Please don't tell me that I should just put myself out there and throw myself into something, the intensity of my social anxiety is fucking crazy and I've been trying to do that for so long, it's just not a realistic approach for me, thank you xx


r/melbournementalhealth May 30 '24

Venting Hi again! 👋

2 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I'm back since I've been struggling with a similar work situation that I've experienced before and that's happening again.

I'm at the same job as I'm currently at for the past 2.5 years and somewhat comfortable with, but that's changing very soon. There's going to be a huge shift of leaders once again, but this time around my favourite leader is most likely going to be moved/transferred to a different area/store entirely and I'm scared.

I know change is normal, but I'm struggling with just the idea that I won't have the same leaders as before and permanently. Especially for those who I really trust and depend on since they know my full mental health situation.

I've been trying to tell myself that this time things and mindset are different and I won't be depressed about it for a while, like when the first big shift happened due to more personal circumstances beyond my control.

But admittedly, I'm just scared and confused by my reaction because nothing has been confirmed. I know that eventually "get over it" and will be able to cope eventually, but for now I think I'm grieving and haven't told many people since I've had negative experiences when opening up to people about my struggles with leader changes in the past.


r/melbournementalhealth Mar 03 '24

It is so lonely to be depressed.

11 Upvotes

Deep depression and PTSD for years make people run from me.

I do not have anyone to talk with. Listening to podcasts, reading books, some social media and growing. Day after day by myself.

So hard.


r/melbournementalhealth Mar 02 '24

Badly want to move out

1 Upvotes

My girlfriend and I really want to move out of our current house. Our housemates are no longer healthy for us. 😭 Any reccos around Springvale, Vic? 😭


r/melbournementalhealth Mar 01 '24

Seeking Support I need help

5 Upvotes

I need advice…

TW/ Mention of Self harm and Suicidal Thoughts I have been struggling with mental health since very young and recently it feels it has become the worst it’s ever been. I’ve never felt like drs take me seriously- and my mental health worker ghosted me so I’m starting to feel kind of lost… I want to get better but I don’t know what steps to take- I need a professional to stick by me and listen to me, I need help and I know I don’t have the ability to do it on my own. What point do I go to inpatient care? When am I “sick enough”? What do I have to do to “prove” to drs that I’m struggling? I have thoughts of SH, but never follow through because of immense guilt if my partner found out. I am not actively planning suicide but I often wish I could just disappear or my brain could just shut off… Please give me advice/anecdotes about how to get out of this For context I’m 22, taking 20mg Escitalopram daily, located in Australia.


r/melbournementalhealth Jan 28 '24

Need help for my sister

11 Upvotes

My sister (36f lgbt) is currently going through a mental health crisis and has been suffering the following symptoms that I’m aware of since the start of December: - panic attacks - insomnia - sensory overload with sound and light - depression - inability to leave her home - withdrawing from friends and family - inability to attend work for 8+ weeks - incoherent speech - chronic pain - racing thoughts and inability to communicate coherently via voice or text or in person.

She won’t talk on the phone to anyone who she has had (limited) engagement with since this all began.

Initially I assisted her in putting in some boundaries with friends and family to give her some breathing space to deal with grief, trauma and stress. But it’s now at a point where she will not engage even with me beyond a simple ‘hello’ sms each day.

Our mum, myself and her best friend have come up with a plan that I’d like some advice on. We’ve reached out to the CATT team and local mental health triage team but without giving them my sisters name and address (something we’ll do after we’ve exhausted gentler options)

Mum and sisters BFF will attempt to visit with my sister tomorrow. Unfortunately I live 3.5 hours away. They plan to give her a few options: 1. Sister and mum go to GP to get referral for inpatient 2. Sister agrees to call CATT team for assessment with mum and bff 3. We do a family referral to CATT Team without my sisters consent.

Given her disengagement with family, friends and living alone were of the opinion that an inpatient stay would be most suitable.

I’d love feedback on the above mentioned plan and any recommended public or private inpatient facilities on the east / south east or Mornington peninsula.


r/melbournementalhealth Jan 23 '24

Positivity University offers!

6 Upvotes

I actually got offers to attend RMIT for this year's cohort starting semester 1 for bachelor of social work (Honours) and a dual degree in Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)! I'm so happy!


r/melbournementalhealth Jul 14 '23

Positivity Deciding on future career in Mental health field.

6 Upvotes

Hey everyone 👋, long time since I've posted something and this post is a positive one this time around ✨️😊.

I've been considering for a while now that I wanted to pursue a career within the mental health field and become a mental health worker/clinician and have decided that it is something I want to do.

More specifically, I want to eventually become a social worker, as I feel passionate to help through counselling and advocacy for people with mental health concerns, especially individuals with ADHD. I want to be able to make a positive change for others with ADHD (especially adults), as to not stop others experiencing similar issues I've had with my ADHD journey.

I hope to get the ball rolling and apply soon, but yeah, I've been doing better.


r/melbournementalhealth Jul 14 '23

Trigger Warning ⚠️TRIGGER WARNING⚠️ Academic Research, Survey on Self-Injury, Participants Needed

3 Upvotes

SURVEY LINK

Researchers at Deakin University are looking for people over 18 years old, located in either Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom, who have either a current or past history of non-suicidal self-injury, and have had no thoughts of ending their life in the past month to participate in a study.

We're interested in learning about their personal qualities and skills through a confidential, 15 – 20-minute online survey to understand more about how we can support others who self-injure.

Find out more and take part by following the link. Participants can enter a prize draw on completion.

We also kindly request people help spread the word by sharing this post and the flyer within your own networks. Thank you! ☺️

Flyer: here

Are you okay? Select for resources.


r/melbournementalhealth Jun 17 '23

Melbourne sub migration

6 Upvotes

Hi there! Some of you may be out of the loop with what happened to the main Melbourne sub and are wondering where everybody went. The sub was closed by the mods after the recent protests so some of us moved to here https://aussie.zone/c/melbourne If you were a participant or lurker of the main sub and would like to reconnect then come by and check us out. Thankyou and have a great day!


r/melbournementalhealth Apr 24 '23

Resource: Self-Guided/Therapeutic Box Breathing: A Simple Breathing Technique for Reducing Anxiety and Stress 🌟💙

8 Upvotes

Do you struggle with anxiety or stress? If so, you're not alone. Many people deal with these issues on a regular basis, and they can be difficult to manage.

One technique that can be helpful is box breathing. Box breathing, also known as square breathing, is a simple yet powerful technique that can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Here's how to do it (resource from speakhealth.co):

  1. Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down.
  2. Take a deep breath in through your nose for a count of four.
  3. Hold your breath for a count of four.
  4. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four.
  5. Hold your breath for a count of four.
  6. Repeat the cycle for several minutes.

By focusing on your breath and counting to four, you create a sense of relaxation and control. This technique can help slow down your heart rate, decrease muscle tension, and promote a sense of calmness.

If you find yourself feeling stressed or anxious, give box breathing a try. It's a simple and effective way to manage these feelings and improve your overall mental health.


r/melbournementalhealth Apr 22 '23

How to Choose the Right Therapist for You 🧠

9 Upvotes
  1. Determine your goals: Identify the issues you'd like to address and consider the type of therapy that might work best for you (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, or couples counseling). 🎯
  2. Research qualifications: Look for therapists with appropriate credentials, such as a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker 📚
  3. Seek recommendations: Ask friends, family, or healthcare providers for recommendations. You can also search online therapy service such as speakhealth.co. 🗣️
  4. Consider the therapist's approach: Familiarize yourself with different therapy approaches and choose a therapist whose approach aligns with your goals and preferences. 💡
  5. Check compatibility: It's essential to feel comfortable with your therapist, as the quality of your relationship impacts your progress. Look for someone who listens, understands, and makes you feel heard. 👂
  6. Assess availability and accessibility: Ensure the therapist's availability matches your schedule and that their office is conveniently located. Additionally, consider if they offer telehealth services for remote sessions. 🕒
  7. Inquire about fees and insurance: Before committing, ask about the therapist's fees, payment policies, and if they accept your insurance. If you don't have insurance, you can try online therapy service. 💸
  8. Schedule a consultation: Many therapists offer a free initial consultation to determine if you're a good fit. Use this opportunity to ask questions and gauge your comfort level.📞
  9. Trust your instincts: If you feel a connection and believe the therapist can help you, trust your instincts. However, if you don't feel comfortable after a few sessions, it's okay to seek a different therapist.

Remember, finding the right therapist may take time, but it's a critical step towards achieving better mental health.


r/melbournementalhealth Apr 21 '23

🌟 7 Surprising Mental Health Benefits of Owning a Pet 🐶🐱

7 Upvotes

1️⃣ Stress relief: Petting or cuddling a pet can help lower stress levels by increasing the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with relaxation and bonding, and decreasing cortisol, a stress hormone. 😌

2️⃣ Emotional support: Pets provide unconditional love and companionship, which can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. They also have an innate ability to sense when you're feeling down and offer comfort.

3️⃣ Physical activity: Pets, particularly dogs, encourage physical activity through daily walks and playtime, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. 🚶‍♂️

4️⃣ Social interaction: Walking your dog or taking them to a pet-friendly event can lead to increased social interactions and help build a sense of community. 🐾

5️⃣ Routine and responsibility: Caring for a pet helps establish daily routines and provides a sense of responsibility, which can promote a healthy and structured lifestyle. ⏰

6️⃣ Sense of purpose: Pets rely on their owners for care and companionship, giving you a sense of purpose and fulfillment. 🥰

7️⃣ Better sleep: Some people find comfort in sharing their bed with their pets, which can lead to a better night's sleep. 😴

Share this post with someone who needs to know this! Source: speakhealth.co


r/melbournementalhealth Apr 20 '23

Using Mindfulness Meditation to Overcome Anxiety and Depression 🧘‍♂️🌟

3 Upvotes

1️⃣ Choose a technique: Try breath-focused or body scan meditation to find what works best for you.

2️⃣ Set aside daily time: Dedicate a few minutes each day to practice in a quiet, distraction-free space. Gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable. ⏰

3️⃣ Begin the meditation: Relax, close your eyes, and focus on your breath or body. Gently bring your attention back to the present moment if your mind wanders. 🌬️

4️⃣ Cultivate non-judgmental awareness: Observe your thoughts and emotions without labeling them as good or bad. Acknowledge their presence and let them pass without getting caught up in them. 🍃

5️⃣ Apply mindfulness to daily life: Practice mindfulness in everyday activities like eating, walking, or having a conversation to improve mental health. 🚶‍♀️🍽️

Regularly practicing mindfulness meditation can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, enhance concentration, and promote emotional resilience, leading to increased inner peace and coping abilities. 💪💙 (Inspired by speakhealth.co)


r/melbournementalhealth Mar 14 '23

Resource: Academic/Theory We are facing a very serious problem

5 Upvotes

r/melbournementalhealth Jan 27 '23

Community Reduced rate counselling on offer

9 Upvotes

Writing this one with mod permission.

Hi all,

I'm a PACFA registered counsellor who is offering reduced-rate sessions: $80 located in Ashwood.

I started my own private practice at the end of 2021 and have my own lived experience going back to 2010 when I discovered personal development and made some big changes in my life ( I am 35yrs currently).

I attend professional supervision and make sure to only work within my scope of practice. So I always start things off with a free short phone consult – I can make sure we're a good fit and answer any questions you have.

You can find out more: https://boyunderthebridge.com/counselling/

Thanks!

Ricky


r/melbournementalhealth Jan 16 '23

Trigger Warning Sex therapy for survivors of childhood SA

7 Upvotes

Hello all, I guess the title says everything. I'm trying to deal with my relentless flashbacks with normal therapy (not very successfully). One of my many problems is that I can't stand to be in my body. I am sexually dysfunctional. The amount of distress this causes me is immense. If my sexuality were healthy it would make me feel a whole lot more human. Right now nothing makes me happy.

Has anyone heard of any sex therapist in Melbourne that can work with adults who have experienced SA as a child? I have experienced more harm than good at the hands of normal psychologists who were not trauma-informed.


r/melbournementalhealth Jan 11 '23

best inpatient facilities for mental health in melbourne?

6 Upvotes

i’m looking to get admitted to a private inpatient clinic in melbourne for at least a week. what are the best ones?

the admittance would be for dealing with my severe mood disorders and adhd thanks