Lived Experience Forum

[Uis]

I live in country WA  and I have been travelling and seeing a psychiatrist in Perth for 4 years for anxiety & depression.

My GP has been discussing bipolar with me and sent an updated referral to my psychiatrist for diagnosis. Unfortunately she is no longer seeing private patients.

They didn't have any other appropriate psychiatrists to suggest at their clinic that deal with mood disorders and are taking patients.

I don’t know what to do from here - do I just google psychiatrists in Perth and ring around to try and find someone who specialises in bipolar? The reception staff seemed confused when I do this.

My GP is based in a small country town and is basically referring blindly from a book also.

Shes made a big point of ensuring that I attend an appointment ASAP, I have been putting off this diagnosis for years because i’m scared. 

I am currently really anxious and confused and very high energy and I dont know where to ask for advice. 

[tyme]

Hey @Uis ,

I'm hearing you. I hear how difficult it sounds right now. 

To be honest, the method you have posted is exactly what I had to do earlier this week... it was really a matter of googling someone local-ish, calling a few places and taking the next available. When you don't have a recommended psych, I think that's all you can really do.

Another option is if you look at their reviews online to see what people say.

I'm sorry I couldn't help any more.

I also recommended to a friend of mine that if they got really bad, then go straight to the emergency department.

@Uis , I'm also hearing that it's harder because you are in a rural area. Whilst some are okay with telehealth, many psychiatrists want to see the person face to face.

I hope you find someone soon.

tyme

[Uis]

Thanks so much @tyme for responding! 

It feels better to know this is the process others have gone through too - most reception staff seemed pretty confused when I explained! 

I will keep calling around, happy to drive to perth and stay with family for appointments. Grateful to be in the position to be able to afford private but i’m feeling quite lost in the system, especially because of country living. 

[tyme]

So good to hear back from you @Uis .

Yes, I'm afraid that's the only way, I found... ring around, put your name down on a few places, but don't cancel any until you've found the one that works for you. Sometimes, the one you get into the fastest is the one that is least popular (and for good reasons). 

Once you've seen them, you can also ask about whether they will do telehealth appointments.

I found the reviews online are helpful when finding the 'right' psych.

If you get recommendations from other people, even better 🙂

[tyme]

Hi @Uis ,

How'd you go with calling around? Any luck?

Hope you are well.

Thinking of you.