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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How do I find the right help for me?

    Related Topics
    Anxiety Depression Mental Health
    I have been diagnosed by various professionals as suffering from depression, anxiety, panic attacks and possible personality disorders. I have been referred to many psychologists that I feel extremely uncomfortable with so have tried to deal with it on my own which is proving extremely difficult. How can I find someone that can help?
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  • Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith

    Health Professional

    My research interests include immunology and the mechanisms of amyloid formation. The latter has implications for people who are dealing with Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease … View Profile

    Perhaps it would help if you wrote down the reasons that you “feel extremely uncomfortable” with the psychologists that you have seen so far. Also, write down what you would expect from a psychologist who you would feel comfortable with.

    The writing is important - it should help to get a sense of objectivity about your thoughts and feelings - that might help you to find a psychologist who you can work with in a productive way.

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  • kim0711

    HealthShare Member

    'm in a similar boat,trying to find one that specialises in the diagnosed erea.My diagnosise is far and few between,I suffer with DID, dissociative identity disorder,where do you find the right help,But! in saying this,DR  Simon is right.Writting  the way you think and feel down is a great idea,then read over it in a couple of days;sometimes it can be very inlightening into seeing the way we rashenlize what we think is the right desision to make at that time.Been there done that,and now I've been asked to do it again.

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  • Vivienne Colegrove

    Counsellor

    I have been working in Eltham, Melbourne as a relationship and family counsellor for over twelve years. I draw on current theory and research about … View Profile

    It sounds like you've been given a number of diagnoses, and perhaps been left with the sense that you still don't really know what the problem is, or that the professionals you've seen are sure what your diagnosis should be.  It may be that rather than focussing on what the right diagnosis is. you do better by seeking help for the specific problems that are preventing you from living your life in the way you would like. You may wish to try making a list of the issues you want help with, then thinking about - who is the best professional to help me with these issues? For example, if your main problem is how you are in relationships with others, you may choose to see someone with specialist training in relationship counselling. If your main issue is coping with anxiety, seek out someone with expert knowledge in helping you with strategies for managing this better. It is possible you may need to seek out different help as you tackle each issue in turn. All the best.

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  • Joel Curtis

    Health Psychologist, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Sport Psychologist

    Joel helps change people’s lives by assisting them overcome problems that they may have. He works with people to help them achieve whatever they want … View Profile

    Finding the right Psychologist can be a tricky process. You need to make sure that you feel at ease with the Psychologist you are seeing. In terms of finding the right fit with a Psychologist you need to work out what it is that you didn't like in the ones you have already seen. Once you understand what you didn't like, that will help you understand what you do like.

    It is important that you ask the Psychologist any questions you need to. A good Psychologist will take the time to get to understand you and your concerns before they start trying to assist you.

    It is okay to find out as much information as you need to before you commence treatment. If you are not comfortable with the Psychologist you are talking to, your chances of getting help will decrease.

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  • Lynette Worrell

    HealthShare Member

    I suffer with deep depression, anxiety and panic attacks. I only take Axit 45mg. It doesn't seem to help. Is there amyway you could help me. The doctor doesn't listen just keeps me on this tablet?

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