What are the next steps

[dally123]

My best friend has been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, bipolar and ADHD and it has increasingly gotten worse and is at breaking point. She has lost her job from this, so she is unable to take the next step to see her psychiatrist as per her GP's recommendation. Her GP is no longer seeing her as they have tried every medication and every dosage under the sun. What is the next step? It's at a breaking point where I am receiving voicenotes asking for help but I just don't know how to help and what the next step is? Can she go to the hospital? Are there retreats she can go to? What do I do??????

[Jynx]

Hey @dally123 welcome to the forums. It sounds like you really care about your friend and want to do everything in your power to help. Financial barriers are some of the most frustrating things we encounter in the mental health system. You could always encourage your friend to come check out the forums herself. She could also have a look into our Guided Service for some ongoing support, or give our drop in line a call to talk to one of our counsellors - 1800 187 263. You yourself are also welcome to utilise these services! It can be super stressful supporting someone with their mental health, and it's also important we look after our own mental health along the way. 

[dally123]

Thank you! We're at the point now where devices, sounds, lights, phone calls are not a thing she can handle – a few places have told me to get her to contact them but she physically cannot. 😞 

[Jynx]

@dally123 Oh that's super rough. One avenue to explore could be NDIS? Having someone like a support worker who can come round and provide connection and assistance might be really helpful. It's a bit of a process to apply, but could be well worth it. 

Maybe look into whether your local community centre has any outreach programmes? 

Also, I don't know if it helps but the Guided Service allows participants to have a support person present during the calls. You could take the call for her and sit with her whilst she has her session. Food for thought.