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  • Shared Experiences

    My partner has depression and bipolar, where can I get support??

    Related Topics
    Bipolar Disorder Depression Mental Health
    I am looking for support and advice on how to help my partner with his depression and bipolar.
    I am also looking to talk to partners who are going through the same thing I am.
    I love my partner dearly but it can be very hard at times.'
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    Thanks

    Damien Haines

    Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist

    Damien Haines is a registered Clinical Psychologist who brings a warm and empathetic approach to therapy. He emphasises engagement in the world and encourages clients … View Profile

    Hi Suzi480. Depending on the extent this is affecting your life you may be eligible for the Better Access Scheme under Medicare for psychological assitance (or search for a psychologist here www.psychology.org.au/findapsychologist). Alternatively, go to the Beyond Blue website, or Arafmi website in your state. Arafmi is a carers support network and usually has meetings not too far from others. Carers Australia is another such organisation. Relationships Australia may also be a source of help for you. Also some local councils have a good directory listing of local support groups for people with mental health issues or caring for others with mental health issues.

    I wish you well

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  • Lorrie Hill

    HealthShare Member

    I'm not sure what you mean Dr Haines. Are carers eligible for psychologist assistance? And the Better Access Scheme can be claimed under Medicare? My daughter is bi polar and I would love to speak to a professional to find out the best way to handle the situation when she rings me very distressed because she can't cope. I find some of the other organizations aren't much help as they don't know a great deal about bi polar and although they are very supportive I need information specifically about bi polar. Cairnsfans  

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  • Damien Haines

    Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist

    Damien Haines is a registered Clinical Psychologist who brings a warm and empathetic approach to therapy. He emphasises engagement in the world and encourages clients … View Profile

    Hi cairnsfans. Carers are eligible for psychological assistance when they themselves are suffering from (as reported by their gp) a mental disorder covered by the Better Access Scheme. It is on my experience that many carers neglect their own needs at the expense of those they care for. This selflessness can sometimes lead to depression and anxiety. If this is significant enough, then yes your GP may refer you under the Better Access Scheme.

    The second question you ask regarding Medicare. The Better Access scheme is a Medicare scheme. Some psychologists will bulk bill and others there may be a gap (no different from GP's for example). This usually is based on the capacity of the client to pay. However, not all psychologists bulk bill.

    I read that you are quite distressed for a number of reasons regarding your daughter, one of them being able to help her. The best help you can be to her is to steer her towards a registered psychologist (or clinical psychologist) http://www.psychology.org.au/FindaPsychologist/ and probably a psychiatrist for medical intervention. To be crass I'm guessing it is not your job to cut your daughters hair - she has a professional to do this; you don't have to have all the answers for her either. That is OK. It is really OK.

    If your daughter has bi-polar there must be someone genetically linked that also has bi-polar. Can that person(s) be of help to you? If not (other than the psychologist website) please try the Black Dog (http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/public/bipolardisorder/bipolardisorderexplained/index.cfm)

    I wish you and your daughter well

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