Anyone in the NSW Mental Health System (Australia)

Post Reply New Topic

Has anyone here been through or is in the NSW Mental Health system?

I've just entered it after having to admit myself to hospital overnight for personal safety while suicidal.

It has already let me down a few months ago when I called the hotline while having a really bad meltdown. They asked many intrusive questions to complete their risk analysis. Ended the call telling me someone would call within 24-48hrs. No one ever called.

Now I've been instructed by my doctor to wait to see their psychologist before getting any referrals to see someone outside the system. Is this correct procedure.

Because I'm in a country town we get a government psychologist through town only once a week and I need to wait 2 weeks. I'm afraid that 2 weeks will be too slow and don't know what to do.

I can't afford to pay for private help without a referral.

Can anyone familiar with the NSW Mental Health system offer advice?

Sorry to hear of how bad you are feeling tonin, wrestling with the NSW public health system is a nightmare in itself it seems. I've had a little experience on the mental health side, being regional seems the worst problem when it comes to receiving the help we need.

Other than pressuring your GP or admitting yourself to hospital again, I don't have many answers for you, other than Beyond Blue and Lifeline - Please call them if you feel you can't keep moving forward alone, they can give you the tools to keep you going until you can get help. I've found talking to people at Lifeline has got me through to a brighter perspective and hope you find the same.

Please feel free to PM me, even if it's just to talk, I'm in regional NSW too and understand how hard it can be.

Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636

Lifeline - 13 11 14