Who to contact in Victoria for non-emergency help?

[hanami]

Hey there @down_not_out 

That sounds really positive. It does sound like you're on the right track, reaching out and all. 

A good sleep can make such a difference and intense dreams have often caused me to 'wake in fright'. It's an awful feeling. 

Do you have anything planned for today?

Hanami

[down_not_out]

@hanami 

I did all of the housework yesterday so I have nothing else planned. 

So far, I have spent some time on an AOD forum talking about my positive 24 hours.

What a beautiful winter's day to be extremely agoraphobic. I will make myself stand outside in the back yard for 15 or so minutes today as well.

[hanami]

@down_not_out 

Having done all of the housework is great.

It's a beautiful winter's day here too. I was up at about six and went out on my treadmill and it was super cold but good for exercising. 

I hope you enjoy your time outside!

[down_not_out]

Yeah, I need to exercise as it is so beneficial to MH. 

Right now even doing something like cleaning the toilet, we have three of them, causes me to get chest pains. I know that this is purely benzo brain w/d and I have checked my blood pressure and it is fine. Any task requiring manual dexterity is quite intense. This includes having a hot shower.

I do need to carefully introduce the concept that a raised heart rate is not always anxiety.

I didn't mop the floor yesterday but will do that now.

Have a good day too.

[Appleblossom]

Good to hear from you @down_not_out 

We cannot control the intensity of dreams or flash backs etc with a dimmer switch ... not often I mention gadgets with yearning ... wry smile ... weary sigh ...

Glad to hear you have some satisfaction in reaching out, in real life ... hope they are there for you in a good way long term.

[down_not_out]

@Appleblossom 

Despite losing many close friends in the last decade, I am still lucky enough to have a few. They do 'get' mental health as well.

It would be nice to turn the switch into a permanently disabled position. I do not look forward to going to sleep, which is really sad.

[Appleblossom]

Good, your friends get MH @down_not_out 

I am bit older, found it, and finding it very tricky to normliase MH within community settings.  My experiences have been mostly very serious MH but I have been the observer ... child, sibling, wife, mother ... not a person in my own right til joined on this site and eventually got on NDIS.

Just decided today to ask a new irl group I have become a member of ... to include it and broaden their agenda, and homelessness.  Meeting tonight.  Fingers crossed they accept the 'motion'.  The group typifies itself as being concerned with JUSTICE.

[down_not_out]

@Appleblossom 

You are more mature, not older. Turning 50 last year was a really strange feeling for me. My dad passed away from cancer at age 57 (2005). I am only 7 years younger than that.

I'm currently applying for NDIS at the moment but just don't seem to have the headspace for jumping through the hoops. The government denied me being on the DSP in 2015, so I took prescription meds to try and keep on working. This didn't end well.

My wife earns something like $100 per fortnight too much for us to receive any financial assistance from Centrelink and private health insurance is my only luxury.

I have a roof over my head, so things could be much worse. 

[Appleblossom]

Sounds like she is in working poor category but I am sure she is grateful you are in her life.  It can be tricky when one partner is breadwinner.  Hope you have worked all those things out.  

There are a lot of hoops to jump through for both DSP and NDIS.  @down_not_out I applied for DSP when I was about 50. I have neck and psychosocial conditions. God only knows what the bloomin MH diagnosis is, even my current pdoc is wisely noncommittal about it.  I was with NEAMI when they transferred their clients onto NDIS, so it was relatively straightforward for me at 59 as it was a bulk deal, I have mixed feelings about being on NDIS.  Learning to make the most of it.  I spoke with a new Support co-ordinator today who I seem to immediately 'click' with better than the last. 

I used to work for Dept Social Security in another world in 1970 - 80s.  So yeah I know about the hoops. Inside and out, tho they do change, and I have no idea now ... about system.  Would talking to a Disability Advocate be worth it?  Find about your rights and possible eligibility....  

Yes, many of us realise that a lot of people have it harder, but still each person's journey and difficulties are worthy of concern rather than endless comparison.  That is one good things about this website. There is a big range of people dealing with all sorts of issues, but somehow it has never seemed to fall into the competitive ... pitfalls ... somtimes evident in some unmoderated social situations. 

I am not a big believer in meds but been on them for a long time.  Low dose Antidepressants for over 30 years.  Offered minimal ben zos but wary as, none now.  On high doses of Antidep and Antipsychotics for about 4 years when I first joined the forum, both lower now, very slow tapers, as I am in a caring position for my 30 year old son, who has had a few curly experiences and I have to be a rock for him.  

[down_not_out]

@fluffylight @hanami @Appleblossom 

I've had a very good week!

I forced myself to go out of the house on Friday night and have done it several times since. I didn't leave the safety of the car, but it was a good start. This is the first time that I have been past the front gate since January. 

Hope everyone is well.