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Getting Help

Getting Help



How do I know if I need extra support?


This can be difficult to identify, as everyone copes with stress differently and you are going through a very stressful experience. However there are a number of signs that would be useful to look out for.
These include:
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Changes in appetite
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Feelings of low mood for the majority of the time
  • Feeling overwhelmed by feelings of anger or despair
  • Feeling overwhelmed with other significant stressful events in the family e.g. new baby, moving house, financial stressors, work pressure etc.

Many of these signs may be normal reactions to stress and having an ill child, however talking with a professional can help you manage your emotions. If you are concerned with any of the above, please talk to someone about this (i.e. social worker, GP, mental health practitioner, cancer helpline).

What is a counsellor?


A counsellor is a person who has been professionally trained to talk you through a variety of problems. Issues you might discuss with a counsellor include:
  • building up your confidence
  • bullying
  • family and relationship issues
  • school/work problems
  • trouble with alcohol or drugs.

If necessary, a counsellor might refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist who can help you with more specific problems.

What is a psychologist?


Psychologists are experts in human behaviour, having studied the brain, memory, learning, human development and the processes determining how people think, feel, behave and react. They provide talking therapies to help treat mental health problems. The therapy they use may include changing some of the things you do or the unhelpful ways you think, so that you can feel better.
There are a number of reasons that people will go to see a psychologist, including:
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Extreme Fears
  • Stressful Life Events
  • Family and relationship problems
  • Panic attacks
  • Eating disorders

Where do I start?


It can be difficult to know where to start, and what do to. This may include deciding if you want to see someone individually, or if you think that it would be helpful to find support in a group setting. There is no ‘right’ way to do this, but it is important to find somewhere or someone that you ‘fit’ with, and feel comfortable talking to.

Talking to someone at the hospital: There are many people that you can approach at the hospital, including your social worker, mental health practitioner, chaplain etc. Please do not feel that you are burdening them with your problems, as they are there to help, and they know that your emotional wellbeing is important.

Visiting your G.P.: Your General Practitioner is also a good person to start to discuss your emotional wellbeing with. Your G.P. can refer you to a psychologist in the community under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative. Through this initiative your GP will conduct a detailed mental health assessment and prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan before referring you to a psychologist. It is important that when you book in with your G.P. that you:
  • Ask for an extended appointment to ensure there is enough time to talk about everything that you need to.
  • Make a list of things you want to talk about, to ensure that you remember everything.
  • Ask a friend or family member to go with you if you think this might be helpful.

Are there any costs involved in seeing a psychologist?: The cost to you will vary depending on the length of the session and the fee being charged by the psychologist. Some psychologists will bulk bill, and you will not have to pay anything. However, if the psychologist does not bulk bill then you must pay the difference between what the psychologist charges you (a fee set by the psychologist) and the Medicare rebate. This will vary and you should check this with the psychologist before commencing your treatment. N.B. Often you will have to pay the full consultation fee, and then use the receipt to claim the cost from Medicare.

Finding a psychologist/mental health practitioner in the community?: Often your G.P. will have a preferred mental health practitioner who they will recommend. Alternatively, there are many other ways to find someone to help you. See the list of websites below, or alternatively, please ask your child’s social worker or mental health practitioner to help with this.

What do I say to my counsellor/psychologist when I first talk to them?: Many people are worried and apprehensive at their first visit to a psychologist or counsellor because they are unsure of what to expect. However, there are a number of questions that you can ask them, including practical questions, before you see them to put your mind at rest. These include:
  • Where is their practice?
  • What hours are they available? Can you contact them outside of session times?
  • Do they have a waiting list? Is it easy to get an appointment?
  • What are their fees? Does this include the medicare rebate? Therefore, how much will you pay?
  • How often do they usually see people?
  • Is there a cancellation policy?
  • What can I expect in our first session? What is a typical session like?
  • Do they practice a particular therapy? Can they describe this for you?
  • Do they have a special area of expertise or interest?
  • You may want to ask about their experience with clients that they usually see.
  • How will I know when I don’t need to come to see you anymore?

Remember that they are there to help you get through a difficult time, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

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