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"Can't seem to get help with any mental health services. "

About: West Moreton Hospital and Health Service

(as the patient),

I have been struggling to live this past year. I've been trying to seek help and see a psychiatrist I desperately needed. I waited for a year of me on the phone to mental health services begging to see someone. I was finally granted a visit. I attended and asked for further help beyond just a prescription. I was told as you don't hear voices and are not a danger to anyone else but yourself you don't qualify to see anyone again. After using all of my psychology appointments through Medicare I'm now left in the dark with no help but pills. Thanks guys please tell that to my kids.

More about:

Responses

Response from Patient Opinion Australia

Dear Feeling Ignored,

We were very sorry to read your story regarding your difficulties in receiving help and we appreciate the time you have taken and your generosity in sharing your personal experience.

You may have already explored all the options, however, we just thought we would remind you and others who might read your story that help is available through several non-government organisations.

They all start with a reminder that if someone is in serious distress to ring 000. Of course, Emergency Departments and local GPs could also be an avenue for help. If more support is needed, here are their contact numbers and websites.

BeyondBlue

Website - http://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support

24 hour help line 1300 224636

There are also Chat Online and Email options through their website.

They have a tab “Find a Professional” which lists local professionals and services

Lifeline

Website - https://www.lifeline.org.au/About-Lifeline/Lifeline-Locations/Lifeline-Locations

24 hour help line 131114

They also provide an online Crisis Support Chat and a tab for Other Services which may help you to find a local service that can help

Salvo Care Line

Website: http://salvos.org.au/need-help/family-and-personal-support/salvo-care-line/

24 hour help line 1300 363622

They also provide online counselling and links to local services.

We all hope that you will soon get the help you need and would love to post more stories from you as you do.

Kind Regards,

The Patient Opinion and Care Opinion Team

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Response from Sandy Lewis, Senior Consumer Liaison Officer, Clinical Governance, Queensland Health - West Moreton

Dear Feeling Ignored,

We are worried about the sadness you expressed in your post and are concerned about your wellbeing.

If you are currently experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, we would urge you to attend a hospital Emergency Department, your local mental health service or seek the support of your general practitioner (GP). We also have a team you can contact for support 24/7 and you can call them on 1300 642 255. We strongly encourage you to contact this number when you need urgent help.

We would also like to give you information about how to access longer term mental health and support services.

From your post we think you may have already accessed a service through your GP called the Medicare Better Access Program. Just to let you know, there is also the Access To Allied Psychological Services Program (ATAPS) that you can discuss with your GP. For further information about the ATAPS program, you can contact West Moreton-Oxley Medicare Local on 3470 5653 or 3470 5653 and ask for their ATAPS Information Brochure, or email ATAPS@WestMoretonOxley.com.au.

Our Consumer Liaison Officers based at Ipswich Hospital may also be able to help with information about longer term support services and provide assistance on how you may link in with local services.

You can contact the Consumer Liaison Service during business hours on 3810 1111 or email wmh.clo@health.qld.gov.au.

We want to stress that our concern for you is genuine, as is our offer of assistance.

Please take care

Consumer Liaison Service

West Moreton Hospital and Health Service

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