New diagnosis shocked and devastated

@susie55 It sounds like you are going through a very challenging time and I am sorry to hear this.

As AFraser mentions above, counselling can be useful and I will provide you with several resources below that hopefully can assist.

GP mental health plans If your GP believes that you would benefit from ongoing counselling, they can draw up a GP mental health plan and refer you to an appropriate specialist. A GP mental health plan allows you to up to 10 individual Medicare-subsidised appointments and 10 group appointments with an allied health mental health service provider such as a clinical psychologist, specialist GP, social worker or clinical occupational therapist. For further information, please see BCNA's website page Assistance from your GP

I’m not sure where you are being treated, however if you have a breast care nurse she/he may be able to link you in with services available in the centre/hospital. If you do not have a breast care nurse supporting you, referral to a McGrath Breast Care Nurse 1800 183 338 is available to you for free, whether you’re in the private or public health system. McGrath Breast Care Nurses can support you from diagnosis and throughout your treatment and provide support for the various stages of breast cancer. 

Cancer Council Victoria Cancer Counselling Service offers an opportunity to talk with nurse counsellors and psychologists who can help you with cancer-related challenges. To discuss a referral or your support options call Cancer Council 13 11 20. They also provide the Cancer Connect program, available for people with cancer to connect with a peer for telephone-based support. To find out more about the program, eligibility and referral process, contact their team on 13 11 20 or by email.

BCNA’s My Journey resource which is accessible online. This resource provides high quality, evidence-based information which can be tailored to your individual diagnosis and which provides insights from others diagnosed with breast cancer (It also has a symptom tracker). I have hand picked a couple of articles that may be of interest to you:

• Coping with the emotional effects of breast cancer treatment
• Managing Stress (and Mindfulness)
• Webcast: The psychological impact of a diagnosis of early breast cancer

Peter Mac’s Cancer Mind Care Is a free, self-help online platform offering tailored mental health support for people with cancer, their support persons, clinicians, and First Nations. Accessible online, Australia wide www.cancermindcare.org.au

Hope the above resources support you, however please do not hesitate to contact our Helpline on the number below to discuss further.