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17-08-2016 07:03 PM
17-08-2016 07:03 PM
Schizophrenic Wife 3rd episode
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17-08-2016 08:57 PM
17-08-2016 08:57 PM
Re: Schizophrenic Wife 3rd episode
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17-08-2016 09:14 PM
17-08-2016 09:14 PM
Re: Schizophrenic Wife 3rd episode
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18-08-2016 03:41 AM
18-08-2016 03:41 AM
Re: Schizophrenic Wife 3rd episode
Hello @Juz
I have lived with 4 people who had been diagnosed as schizophrenic .. some of them on and some of them off their meds ...(mother/father/sister/husband)
I get that you care about your wife and family ... do your own research ... when I was in family therapy .. they put effort into developing the sense that you do know what is happening in your own family the best .. as opposed to the experts ... that doesnt mean that we all cant benefit from consulting others about life issues.
I understand the terrible reality of budgeting for psychologists ... even with the rebate ... it has been a considerable expense to me .. and I wonder if my sister had spent her money on clothes and going to the movies together that she would still be here ...that is my story ...
Still book in to psych .. and try and pay and get as big a discount as possible .. and if the psychologist is not worth it get another referral .. dont settle for them unless you feel benefit the first session ... take care
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19-08-2016 07:03 PM
19-08-2016 07:03 PM
Re: Schizophrenic Wife 3rd episode
Hi @Juz
You are entitled to 10 free sessions with a psychologist through medicare. The process usually is that a GP will give you a mental health plan. They will then refer you on to a psychologist, where 10 of your sessions should be free.
I'm not entirely sure if psychologists can pick and choose whether they take patients under the medicare scheme - but if one isn't willing to do it for free, you should go back to your GP and ask for a referral to one who does.
Everyone with a medicare card has access to this (pension or not).
Another resource is the Carer association in your own state. There is the general Carers *insert state* (ie: Carers ACT) . They provide counselling for carers.
There's also state based organisations specifically for carers of people with mental illness. You can find your state based organisation on their national page here . Each state provides a variety of services for carers - but at the very least, all have a support number you can use.
It's great that you're reaching out for support and taking care of yourself - it's so important. Remember, these forums are here too, anytime you want to connect with other carers.
All the best.
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19-08-2016 07:13 PM
19-08-2016 07:13 PM
Re: Schizophrenic Wife 3rd episode
Thank you very mauch for your advice and taking the time to care. Lovely people!
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19-08-2016 08:31 PM
19-08-2016 08:31 PM
Re: Schizophrenic Wife 3rd episode
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20-08-2016 09:40 AM
20-08-2016 09:40 AM
Re: Schizophrenic Wife 3rd episode
I can totally relate to your frustration on waiting to see a physchologist, since my partner's last episode in March this year I have been on a waiting list since the beginning of June and still haven't got an appointment....so frustrating!Does your wife have a caseworker through your local mental health team as they should be able to support you and your daughter as well !!!!??? My partner is on a community treatment order so he now HAS to have his depot monthly as he could no longer be trusted to take his orals, of course he came out of hospital with orals too and low and behold he no longer takes them!!!!!!Claims he doesn't need them!!!! A very common argument with someone who has schizophrenia!!You have probably already been advised to look after yourself and your daughter whilst your wife is in hospital and that is the best advice I found as you cannot look after someone once they are home and in recovery if you are not strong yourself.......easier said then done!!! I am also advised to NOT visit my partner too often but just go on with my normal routines as when they are well they have very little memory of whether you visited every day or not.....again , easier said then done. When my partner is hospitalised it is 600kms away from our home so I am forced not to visit often although the very first episode I went through with him I was driving up and down every weekend and burnt myself out....and felt quite resentful towards him as he had no memory of it!!! Three more episodes later and I have learnt what best works for us as I have a 16 year old daughter who needs me too and a full time job. I wish you the best of luck on your journey and please remember to look after YOU