What should I do if I cannot see a psychiatrist?

According to the report, the longest waiting time in Australia for admission to a ward is for people presenting to emergency services with mental problems to the new report from the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine.

But with half of Recent South Wales’ public psychiatrists intends to resign next week after ongoing wage disputes – and among domestic workers deficiencies among mental health workers – Australians receiving mental health support may be wondering where else to go.

If you cannot see a psychiatrist and need aid, there are other options. However, in emergencies you should dial 000.

Why do people visit a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are doctors who specialize in mental health and can prescribe medications.

People seek or need mental health support for many reasons. They can switch on: :

• severe depression, including suicidal thoughts and behavior
• severe anxiety, panic attacks or phobias
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Psychiatrists complement other mental health practitioners by prescribing specific medications and making hospital admission decisions. However, when psychiatric support is not available, a number of team members can contribute to an individual’s mental health care.

Can my GP aid?

Depending on your mental health concerns, your GP may be able to offer alternative solutions while you wait for formal mental health care.

GPs provide support for a range of mental health problems, regardless of formal diagnosis. They can aid determine the causes and effects of problems, including mental disorders and changes in sleep, thinking, mood or behavior.

The First contact psychiatric support line also provides advice to doctors about care, prescription drugs and how support can work.

It is worth making an appointment for a long consultation and considering using the aid of a trusted person. Be clear about how you feel and what support or medications you have previously used.

What about psychologists, counselors or social services?

Your GP should also know about the support available locally and online.

For example, Head to Health is a government initiative that includes information, a national telephone line and walk-in clinics in Victoria. It aims to improve mental health counseling, assessment and access to treatment.

Medicare Mental Health Centers provide personal care and are expanding across Australia.

There are also virtual care services in some areas. This includes advice on individual assessment, including advice on whether you need to go to hospital.

Some social groups are led by peers rather than doctors, such as: Alternatives to suicide.

What if I come from a village or region?

Access to support in rural or regional areas is particularly tough.

In addition to hotlines and formal support, there are other options available, such as local support Suicide Prevention Networks and social initiatives such as ifarmwell AND Men’s sheds.

Should I go to the emergency room?

People presenting to hospital emergency departments for mental health conditions should, a recent report shows expect long waiting times before admission to the ward.

However, going to a hospital emergency department will be necessary for some people who are experiencing a physical or mental crisis.

Coping with the distress of suicide

With the imminent mass resignation of Recent South Wales psychiatrists, and faced with shortages and long waiting times for aid, people in distress around suicide must receive the best care and support available.

About nine Australians commit suicide every day. One in six have had suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives.

Suicidal thoughts may disappear. There are evidence-based strategies that people can turn to immediately when they are in distress and need ongoing care.

Safety planning is popular suicide prevention strategy to aid you stay safe and sound.

What is a safety plan?

It is a personalized, step-by-step plan for staying safe and sound when suicidal urges occur or worsen.

You can develop a safety plan together with your doctor and/or a colleague or loved one. You can also make it yourself – many people like to utilize it Beyond the present app.

Security plans typically include:

1. Recognizing personal crisis warning signs (for example, feeling like a burden)
2. identifying and using internal coping strategies (such as distracting yourself by listening to your favorite music)
3. seeking social support for distraction (for example, visiting the local library)
4. let trusted family or friends know how you feel – ideally they should know they are covered by your safety plan
5. knowing contact details for specific mental health services (your GP, mental health support, local hospital)
6. increasing environmental safety by removing or limiting access to lethal agents
7. identifying specific and personalized reasons for living.

Our research shows that safety planning is associated with a reduction in suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as well as feelings of depression and hopelessness among adults.

Evidence from people with real-life experience shows that safety planning helps people understand warning signs and practice coping strategies.

Can I call the hotline?

There are people across Australia willing to listen by phone or online chat. You can try any of the solutions below (most are available 24/7):

Suicide hotlines:

There is also specialist support:

Additionally, each state and territory will have its own list mental health resources.

When access to services is uncertain, it is worth remembering that there are people who care. You don’t have to go alone.