Hi all. Its been 2 years since my diagnosis. Most of the time am ok but at times I feel like Im on a roller coaster. Ive never seen a psychologist but I think it may be time.. Only thing is I cant afford $200 / hr. Anyone know or recommend any services that may be available.? I am in Inner west Sydney. Also was recommended to see a hypnotherapist to help settle my mind. Any thoughts or recommnedations?
I'm going to ask my nurse if she knows any psychologists who specialise with breast care patients. Hadn't even thought of it. Thank you for sharing that!
It definitely is.
See your doctor and explain you suspect you may have some kind of issue/disorder. Ask them to refer you to a mental health professional on a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Up to 10 sessions may be covered by Medicare.
More information here: health.gov Better access mental health care information for patients.
Great info girls! The only thing I will add is that I see a psychologist through the public hospital system. I am 2 years post diagnosis this month and finished treatment 9 months ago. I pay a nominal fee of $12.40 per visit. She specialises in breast cancer patients. Good luck with it. Karen xox
Hi I'm 2 years on and see a psychologist and she has helped me deal with my grief and my stress from work I now see her once a month for what we call a tuneup. The ladies have given you good info your doctor can put you on a mental health plan. As the ladies said there is nothing wrong with getting some help. Take care and talk to your gp
Hi, I recently got in touch with the Cancer Council and am seeing a cancer counsellor for free in conjunction with the local health system. She is really helpful. Otherwise the mental health plan from your gp is a great idea. I would see a psychologist rather than a hypnotherapist. There are big issues you need to discuss and a psychologist is the best person for that, or if things are really bad, a psychiatrist. There is nothing wrong with finding it hard to cope on some days, it takes courage to admit this and try and resolve them. Very best wishes.
Oh Wendy that is beautifully said. That will be a great help to anyone reading your comment
Wishing you sunshine and rainbows also.
Take care
Christine xx
Hi VSAM,
I am three years post diagnosis and speak with a pyschologist quite reguarly, I was given a mental health plan by my GP and this entitles me to 5 visits and then you are reviewed and if deemed you still need to see a pyschologist you can have another 5 visits, this comes about because I have a concession card,l I also live in rural south australia, but as far as I know the mental health treatment plan is Australia wide, just make an appointment with your GP voice your concerns to him/her, and Iam positive they will decide whats best for you, also this is a good place to "have a chat" and talk about most things, if you want to have a bit of a vent thats ok to, but please see your gp anyway and see what they can recommend for you,also perhaps some self-help books about relaxation,and mindfulness may help as may some cds based on relaxing your mind and helping you to settle, the library is a great place to start with that, do you have a support group near you? or even voice your concerns with the cancer councils helpful oncology nurses, I also believe they have a free counselling service as well 131120 is the number,
please ,you, have taken that first step, now all you have to do is follow through,
wishing you sunshine and rainbows,
luv wendy 55
