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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Trouble with living at home. Is it worth seeing a psychologist?

    Related Topics
    Depression Mental Health Relationships
    I've been quite stressed over stuck living with my family.. in short we don't get along and no one is willing to help it be better. I'm quite tired of it, so much rage and being picked on, verbal abuse. I'm old enough to move out, but I have no funds and I've been trying to find a job for awhile now but no luck. I've been denied government payments since my parents earn too much yet, they still complain of having no money.

    I'm also stressed over arguments that come from someone (non related) close to me, some just seem over reacting and silly. I believe this has (overall) probably led to some kind of moderate depression possibly. I have a feeling things could get better if I could move out of the house but I don't really have somewhere else to stay (That would end up working).

    I have trouble confiding in people and so I put it on myself to seem happy. So.. would it be worth seeing a psychologist over this? Sadly I don't have funds but how much do they tend to charge?
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    Dr Simon Easterbrook-Smith

    Health Professional

    My research interests include immunology and the mechanisms of amyloid formation. The latter has implications for people who are dealing with Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease … View Profile

    I am sorry to read that things are not easy for you at the moment.

    One option is to talk with your GP about this - s/he will be able to draw up a “Mental Health Care Plan” with you. That will entitle you to a number of Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist (ie, if the psychologist bulk-bills they will be free, if not you would only be liable for the difference between the scheduled fee and the fee charged by the psychologist).

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  • Anonymous

    My local GP bulk bills, I'm still attached to my family's Medicare card though. I'll need to get my own still. I didn't know there are some psychologists that bulk bill, however I shouldn't be surprised either.

    Thank you for your post and the information.

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    Margie Ulbrick

    Counsellor

    I am a Melbourne Relationship Counsellor and Family Lawyer who is skilful in helping people get out of the pain of relationship distress and create … View Profile

    Sorry to hear of your situation. It sounds really hard. Yes, it does sound like it would be a good idea to talk to a professional and a family therapist might also be helpful for your family.

    Alternatively it could be worth looking around in your local area to see what government support or community support is offered. Some councils offer cheap counselling based on what you can afford. Psychoogists charge anything from $120 per session but with a medicare rebate this would be less.

    Moving out of home in your situation is difficult but it does sound like you think this would make you feel better. It is very draining to live under such constant stress. No one needs to put up with being bullied or picked on and when you are able to stop this you may find other areas in your life also improve.

    All the best.

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  • Anonymous

    The boys in my house wouldn't go to see anyone, even if it were for the whole family to go. They would deem it as a waste of time and not even consider going to see a family therapist. Those two are alike each other.

    If I don't do what my father wants he gets worse and he's also made threats of kicking me out of the house along with breaking my finger. He says this over things like using the microwave when he wants it and turning the taps off so they won't drip. So if he doesn't get what he wants when he wants it, get out basically. Followed by saying I'm dispensable and whatever else he wants to say. Then he doesn't understand why I don't like him though he acts like this (Every night basically).

    I go to my mother for some kind of help but it always ends in her doing nothing and walking off. This situation happens too frequently.

    I'm not really sure what I can do, the only conclusion I've been able to come to is move out… So I'm desperately hoping I'll get a job soon.

    Thank you for your post, I found it inteteresting.

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    Catherine Tran

    Counsellor

    My name is Catherine and I completed my counselling studies at the Australian Catholic University. As a Counsellor, I have worked in Australia, England, Rwanda, … View Profile

    Hi there, 

    I'm so sorry to hear and read what you are experiencing at home. It certainly sounds quite stressful and overwhelming. Following what Simon said, as well as Margie, I have a few other ideas that might help you. 

    If you are not in a position to access counselling financially, you could try the following. As both your parents are working, if they have an Employee Assistance Program at their workplace, you would be able to access it as a family member. That means you would be able to get some free counselling sessions with the same counsellor. Each workplace has a different program but most offer some counselling sessions. You would just need to ask your parents for their employee assistance program provider number and telelphone number. Your parents won't be informed of what you access through the program - also what you share with the counsellor is kept confidential (unless there is risk). 

    Another idea is to call into 1800 Respect and ask to speak to a Senior Counsellor. They can speak to you for 30-40 minutes and explore your concerns. They can then give you some ideas of next steps and options locally. I hope this helps.

    Good luck, Catherine. 

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  • Sunet Gopaul

    Counsellor

    My own journey through trauma, both as a child and as an adult, has deeply informed my approach to healing. It wasn’t until adulthood that … View Profile

    I have a lot of questions, but what I can suggest for now is this... Sonder has a lot of options that are free for Counselling that can be done online via Telehealth as well if you don't live close to a Sonder (Sonder for over 25 years of age, Headspace for age 12-25). You will be one a waitlist to access these services, but at least you'll get some guidance. In the meanwhile, if you are feeling overwhelmed totally and need to just talk to SOMEONE right away, you can call 24/7 free services to just help you cope in the moment. Free Online Chat or Phone Call with a Counsellor when acutely distressed (24/7 free services): Beyond blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/support-service/chat https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/ Lifeline 13 11 14 SANE Australia – 1800 18 7263 Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 I would also watch a lot of YouTube videos on self-regulation skills and healthy boundaries. If you can, try to visit a friend every now and then and stay over for a couple of days to get a break from all of this. Go for walks and be outside as often as you can. Also google places who offer employment support who can help you write a good CV and find a good job. Your GP may be able to prescribe some medication to help with the Depression just so you can cope for now until you find a way to get a job and move out and get some therapy. Hope this helps...

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