A long rave

[Zoe7]

Thanks for the info @Adge Managing Emotional Distress is worthwhile doing even in that shortened form - it would give you some skills you can work with. It is not the ideal way to do DBT as the group and individual sessions work hand-in-hand with each other - especially when the group session brings up issues or triggers that you then follow up with you indivudal counsellor (whether that be a pdoc or psych).

It would be great if you could get into that full year program - certainly worth still trying to get onto.

[eth]

Hi @Appleblossom @Zoe7 @Adge  Very glad to see more discussion about therapy approaches and the process of getting into them.  The public health system is so frustrating at times, and inadequate.  I feel very lucky that NDIS is paying for weekly sessions with the psychologist at this time.

@Appleblossom see how you go with doing a 'visual' map - I gather you mean writing it down - I have  left that to my psychologist who takes notes when I see her.   There was a time long ago when a counsellor had me do a written one and over a few weeks it just kept growing - eventually it was 4 x A4 sheets end to end and still not complete.  And I feel now looking back that the counsellor then wasn't equipped to deal with trauma recovery to that extent.  That and I probably wasn't ready or able to deal with really getting into the details, tho I tried, I was at more of a stage of still in recovery from the most recent and overwhelmed to the extent of being somewhat frozen in time.  But the psychologist I'm working with now is highly 'trauma informed' and experienced and  we have a great rapport.  I respect and trust her.  So what am I saying? ... If it gets too much or overwhelms you to see it all in one place I'm here to support you, talk it through, or just 'hold space' for you.

@Adge  I hope the DBT course is really helpful for you.  I didn't do any sort of course in it, it was just with one of the psychologists I saw up north, and I felt it kept me in a sort of holding pattern, not really moving forward,  but then that could well be that I just wasn't ready to do that type of work about my history and manage from day to day with my diagnoses at the same time.   Keep trying to get into the longer course, it sounds from @Zoe7's encouragement that it would be an excellent program with the group and individual sessions.

Very sorry to hear about your experience with your brother recently.  Have you got your space back yet?  

@Bunniekins the Shebah ride went well this morning and I've booked her now for some future rides.  Plus I got talking to one of the women at tai chi and she's going to give me a lift to the other class on Fridays that I don't have a support worker for.  I'm used to the place now and think I can handle going there without the sw.

Hope today has gone smoothly for you all.

Cheers to you too @Mazarita if you're around at some stage.

[Adge]

At this stage I've had to access extra 1-on-1 services privately, at full cost - including some sessions with my Hypnotherapist (who I hadn't seen in 3 & 1/2 years).

Because I've needed extra support (& different methods) - whilst no programs (or DBT groups) have been available.

I've never done a "trauma-map" or "timeline.

It has been suggested (on occasion), but with no assistance to do it.

I grapple with the fact that most of my entire childhood, adolescence & young adulthood is a blank.

Even the "managing emotional distress" (mini-DBT program) group is not until April - 2 & 1/2 months away.

I have not tried to get Referred to Local Community MH - to be assessed for the 1 year DBT program (at this stage).

That's because I was told that the waiting list would likely be 12 to 18 months - & that, because not referred via hospital (as an inpatient) I would be unlikely to be accepted.

I was never a hospital inpatient, so I couldn't get referred via that route.

I've been through that process before - I was on the waiting list for sexual abuse survivor groups for 2 years.

They told me I was "low priority", because I was not an "internal client" or theirs - then they cancelled the groups, after I had waited for 2 years.

Adge

[Adge]

Hi @eth

I forgot to answer your question - I'm trying very hard to believe (& appreciate) that my brothers had positive intentions (in coming to stay with me). One brother came, then left after 4 days - then another brother came.

No doubt there were positive intentions, as a considerable expense (in flying over) was involved.

The overall effect was not helpful, however - having them here with me dramatised & escallated the situation.

They were very angry in their behaviour towards me, most of the time. My wishes were abruptly dismissed - even though staying in my house.

The first brother's visit did not end on a good note, (I had to ask him to leave) - so this is difficult to deal with, in terms of relationships (& further contact) with all of them.

Adge

[Adge]

The Telling Bone (Telephone) from Catweazel @eth Yes I remember that one too....

Adge

[eth]

Hi @Adge  it's shameful how hard it is to get into things like MH programs, and how funding for them can be suddenly removed and everyone on the waiting lists fall through the gaps.

Do you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP?  If you get one it enables you to have up to 10 psychology sessions where you can get $124.50 rebate from medicare for each session.  You still have to pay the gap but it's only around $50 (with the one I see).  Suggesting this coz you said you are paying the full price yourself.  Doing this might help you get through the weeks until your short course starts.

Sorry to hear about how trying it was having your brothers visit.  Sounds to me like you are better off being some distance from them (which I think you are)  and putting some boundaries in place about what you will communicate with them about.  Sometimes people say they want to help but are in fact judging and scrutinizing us, and ill-informed,  which can trigger our MH challenges to flare up more.  At least that's how it's been for me at times.  A real ally will educate themselves about your diagnosis and needs, find out about resources that might help you, and encourage you gently .... in my opinion.

Good on you for continuing to seek support from different avenues.  I'd be putting my name on the waiting list anyway, it can't hurt and you never know things might change and you might get in sooner.   

[eth]

Good morning everyone @Mazarita @Adge @Zoe7 @Appleblossom @Bunniekins @CheerBear @outlander @Exoplanet

Today my support worker can't come so I'll be going to the psychologist in a Shebah cab by myself.  Haven't done this for a few months but had a practice run with the sw yesterday and will have the same driver today, so all should be fine.  

[Bunniekins]

@eth Good morning eth 🙂 will be thinking of you today. I think you are great doing this by yourself. You must be a bit nervous but you will rock it :D!

[eth]

Thanks @Bunniekins.  How are you this morning?

[Bunniekins]

@eth I am great thanks eth :). About to head out with daughter to cafe and then to do some shopping. Will be back later on to see how you have gone today. ps: I know you will be great 🙂 love gp xxxx