Getting Support

[SuperMum___Not]

Hello, I am a single mum with 3 teenage boys, 2 on the autism spectrum, all of us suffer anxiety and depression in some shape or form. My biggest issue is getting cost effective help. We get referrals to psychiatrists & psychologists but when you multiply the gaps x 4 it all adds up. How do you juggle help vs cost. I am on the Sunshine Coast, Qld so any resources would be greatly appreciated. 

[NikNik]

Hi @SuperMum___Not

Welcome to the Forums. It does sound like you ARE a super mum, with all that you do for your boys.

Everyone has different circumstances financially, so it's hard for us to comment directly on your situation specifically, but some tips that come to mind, include:

- Check in with your psychologist & psychiatrist to see if they will bulk bill. Under some circumstances, some doctors will continue to bulk bill

- Utilise Headspace for the boys. You could refer them to the website and also there's also a centre in Maroochydore. They often have a lot of resources within the centre and also know a lot about what the community has to offer

- Find out about community based organisations who run programs and offer practical support. One example of Ozcare - they may be able to assist you, not only with your own anxiety and depression, but also with respite and self care.

- Check in with Centerlink : there could be payments you're eligible for as a carer of your sons

I hope these are a good start. Apologies if you have already explored these avenues.

I'd be keen to hear from other members or moderators who have other tips.

[CherryBomb]

Hi @SuperMum___Not,

I just wanted to check in with you to see how things are going?

To add to NikNik's suggestions, you may want to check out Family Support Services. Though they may not be mental health specific, they may be able to provide you wtih overall support, which might involve referring you on to low-cost services. The other idea was connecting with disability services. Have you tried accessing before?

I'm not very familar with services in QLD, but i had a quick search for family services and found Anglicare. I also found Autism QLD. Other than that, perhaps @Former-Member and @hiddenite might be able to offer some suggestion. I understand that they both have children, whom I think are receiving support.

Hope this helps,

CB

[SuperMum___Not]

Hi to everyone that Replied to me with suggestions, sorry I haven't replied but I had an unexpected stay in hospital. Unfortunately I have a family history of Heart Disease, I went for an Angiogram and ended up adding another stent to my collection, that now makes 5. 

We have had some issues over the last few weeks (other than my heart) with my boys. They both have anxiety and are on the Autism Spectrum. One has Germophobia and is seeing a psychologist. Another is struggling with year 12 and is seeing a psychiatrist after some cyber bulling and threatening to cut his wrists, also on the Autism Spectrum.

I have had anxiety and depression for years (since getting married to a man I now know is also on the Autism Spectrum). I have been raising my 3 boys on my own while dealing with my own issues.

Last week everything came to a head so I went door knocking, I went to Headspace and now have appointments with my boys there under a referral. I also went to Relationships Australia for family counselling. I am not sure of the cost of that yet. I am hoping this might help us all work together better as a family and understand each others issues.

Autism Qld have helped in the school setting before with an outreach assessment and advocacy but my boys are too old for them now. Unfortunately at 16,18 & 20 they are moving into the adult domain. It is hard to support them when I am struggling myself.

I have also done some research through DSQ about what we might be able to do to get support in a practical sense for my son's germophobia. I have an OT from Bluecare coming to speak with us tomorrow.

Please know that even though you may feel you haven't helped much, the fact that you have replied has been a great support and motivation. Also thanks for not being judgmental. Thank you. D  

[Former-Member]

Hi @SuperMum___Not

I have so much admiration for single mums - particular those with special needs children. Whenever I speak to them, I am always struck by their love and relentless determination to help their kids thrive. I get that same impression from you. @Appleblossom is a fellow single mum with a lived experience of mental health issues, and I think her son who might be a similar age to your boys, has also had his struggles. I wonder if she could relate to any of what you've said, or has any further suggestions? 

Have you ever looked at your local Family Mental Health Support Services? Services are listed by state or territory, and provide contact details for different services and links to their external website. Feel free to have a parooze and see if that brings up something helpful.

Further to this, please remember to keep looking after YOURself, whilst supporting and advocating for your children. I am sure you are an extremely busy lady, but can I ask, what do you enjoy doing to relax or take time out if you need it? For me, it might just be having a cup of herbal tea and a sit outside in the sun for 10 minutes. 

Look forward to hearing more of your story 🙂