Phone: 0455 214 648
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t want the whole district knowing my business!
As a Clinical Psychologist I am bound by a professional code of practice to ensure that your access to my service, and what you talk about, remains confidential. You can be assured that your business will not be talked about to anyone (including my family), unless you have given me permission to share information with certain people such as your GP or your partner. This is especially important in a country town. We can discuss how to manage your confidentiality, and how to live in a small community together.
If you see a Psychologist does that mean you are ‘mad’?
I’m not sure what ‘mad’ means, but perhaps in the old days it referred to people who behaved ‘unusually’ due to untreated and undiagnosed mental health conditions. These people were hidden from others, and families suffered the shame of a ‘mad’ relative. ‘Mad’ can be seen as bad and scary – which it is when we don’t understand it. That is why it’s important that we all understand the symptoms of mental illness, so we can support ourselves and others, and ensure that we do not alienate people who suffer.
I can handle my own problems – I don’t need someone telling me how to run my life
Country people are known to be very resourceful, resilient, stoic and independent. We would not have survived out here if we were not. Experiencing mental health difficulties is not a sign of weakness, nor a sign that you are crazy. A therapist’s role is not to ‘tell you how to run your life’, but to work with you – drawing on your strength of character to work towards your recovery. Many people will experience some kind of mental health issue in their lifetime, and with professional help they will have a greater chance of faster and fuller recovery. Many people suffer their whole lives, managing to still function okay, but not to their full potential. It might impact their relationships, their physical health, their sense of self, and/or lead to avoidance of things that would otherwise make their lives richer.
I don’t really know what my problem is – I just don’t feel okay
That is a great place to start! People are like cars – we can run a little rough at times. Mechanically minded people will diagnose the problem and perhaps even source the parts and fix it themselves. Those of us who are mechanically challenged, will engage a mechanic. We will work with the mechanic to describe the symptoms and to monitor the car. Unlike a mechanic, however, Psychologists need input from the drivers themselves to undertake the repairs. It’s a collaborative process, and one that is respectful of you.
What are the symptoms of a mental health disorder?
Symptoms can be very subtle, and if the mental health issue has gone untreated for many years, it may be seen as part of the person. People might be viewed as ‘odd’ or ‘acting strangely’ – either out of character for themselves, or different to others.
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Some common symptoms are: eating (too much or not enough), sleeping (too much or not enough), strained relationships with other people, feeling tired, confused, forgetful, cranky, sad or frightened, mood swings, flashbacks, feeling numb, physical aches and pains, feeling hopeless, helpless, lost and negative, drinking too much alcohol or taking illicit drugs to feel better, or hearing voices and seeing images that aren’t really there.
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Severe mental health issues impact our enjoyment of life, our physical health and our relationships.
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Thankfully there is a lot more understanding about mental health now, and a lot of different ways to seek help.
Have a question that was left unanswered? Please email me.