queenofshebaEssential resources for mental health (especially if you live in Bendigo)
December 22nd 2006 23:21
I moved to Bendigo seven months ago from Melbourne, and since being here I have realised that Bendigo, not to mention other rural areas, are severely lacking in mental health services. In one phone call I discovered that the Bendigo hospital has 24 beds dedicated to psychiatric services, and that you have to be in an acute way to get into one of those beds. The City of Greater Bendigo encompasses 16 suburbs and has a population of around 95,000. Twenty-four beds for 95,000 citizens is inadequate to say the least, so I have been researching where the 1 in 5 people suffering mental illness may receive support, and have compiled this list.
Firstly it must be acknowledged that the Internet contains a wealth of information and is probably the first place that many people turn to for assistance. One great website is crazymeds.org. Aside from being humorous, it is a detailed website that discusses medication related to mental illness. The authors of the site generally explain specific drugs in easy to understand language. I would recommend it as a first port of call if you wish to learn more about your medication.
DepressioNet.com.au is another excellent website, offering 24 hour support in the forms of a message board and chat service. Their motto, “the darkness doesn't keep business hours and neither do we”, represents the extensive work that is provided by the online care team. Emails are always answered with warmth, understanding and advice if needed. DepressioNet’s homepage offers Q & A’s, support for family and friends, links to help in your area as well as recommendations. This life saving website relies on donations to continue its excellent work, which can be done via the homepage.
For individuals affected by borderline personality disorder, a disorder which comprises of depression and instability relating to personal relationships, I recommend a book called I hate you – don’t leave me by Kreisman and Straus.
Beating the Blues, by Susan Tanner and Jillian Ball, is a hands on book for dealing with and beating depression. It uses questionaries and self tests to help the reader understand their illness and symptoms, then offering a plan of actions. I like that it is an easy read, having 174 pages, so that you won’t lose interest too quickly.
Bipolar for Dummies, by Fink and Kraynak, is another simple book which addresses bipolar disorder.
The above resources are just the tip of the iceberg and should not replace professional support and guidance, but instead combine with your professional care plan to help you manage your disorder as best you can.
I have used these websites while compiling this entry:
www.bendigo.vic.gov.au
http://www.mindframe-media.info/mi/stats_qr.php
Firstly it must be acknowledged that the Internet contains a wealth of information and is probably the first place that many people turn to for assistance. One great website is crazymeds.org. Aside from being humorous, it is a detailed website that discusses medication related to mental illness. The authors of the site generally explain specific drugs in easy to understand language. I would recommend it as a first port of call if you wish to learn more about your medication.
DepressioNet.com.au is another excellent website, offering 24 hour support in the forms of a message board and chat service. Their motto, “the darkness doesn't keep business hours and neither do we”, represents the extensive work that is provided by the online care team. Emails are always answered with warmth, understanding and advice if needed. DepressioNet’s homepage offers Q & A’s, support for family and friends, links to help in your area as well as recommendations. This life saving website relies on donations to continue its excellent work, which can be done via the homepage.
For individuals affected by borderline personality disorder, a disorder which comprises of depression and instability relating to personal relationships, I recommend a book called I hate you – don’t leave me by Kreisman and Straus.
Beating the Blues, by Susan Tanner and Jillian Ball, is a hands on book for dealing with and beating depression. It uses questionaries and self tests to help the reader understand their illness and symptoms, then offering a plan of actions. I like that it is an easy read, having 174 pages, so that you won’t lose interest too quickly.
Bipolar for Dummies, by Fink and Kraynak, is another simple book which addresses bipolar disorder.
The above resources are just the tip of the iceberg and should not replace professional support and guidance, but instead combine with your professional care plan to help you manage your disorder as best you can.
I have used these websites while compiling this entry:
www.bendigo.vic.gov.au
http://www.mindframe-media.info/mi/stats_qr.php
| 54 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
