Mental health can be a lot like a vision problem. Oftentimes, you just cannot tell that you have a problem until you are failing to read something off a distant sign that others can easily comprehend. With many mental health problems, we often just don’t know that we are struggling. Usually, this will continue going on until you are nearing your breakdown point. The main reason we choose to wait this long is that psychological evaluations can be so pricey.
Fortunately, at Shire Doctors and Dentists, we have a solution for you. Our allied healthcare clinic has a revolutionary mental health care plan that can get you the help you need, earlier, and more affordably. Let’s take a closer look at when you should be seeking out this type of treatment plan.
What is a Mental Health Care Plan?
A Mental Health Care Plan is a summary or treatment plan created by your local GP (for example, at a clinic such as Carinbah Medical Centre). This process usually begins with an appointment, where your GP will talk with you to better understand the mental health concerns you may be experiencing.
Your GP will then assess your mental health and may suggest strategies to help manage symptoms or recommend treatment sessions with a psychologist or other mental health professional. The care plan may include referrals for sessions with a registered psychologist. During this time, your GP may also check in with you to monitor your progress and adjust the plan if needed.
Mental Health Care Plans are also used to determine whether a patient is eligible for Medicare-subsidised sessions with a registered psychologist. These sessions are supported by Medicare and can provide eligible patients with rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year. This helps make psychological support more affordable and more accessible for people experiencing mental health concerns.
Signs to Start Looking for a Support Plan
The hardest part about starting a mental health support plan is figuring out when to start seeking intervention. Here are some clear signs that it is best for you to get a mental evaluation done:
- More than one person has suggested therapy to you after listening to some of the challenges you face.
- You constantly feel sad, anxious, or “dead inside,” even some things in your life are looking up.
- You are having trouble getting enough sleep at night.
- You always feel drained despite sleeping over 9 hours a day.
- It is becoming harder to concentrate.
- Making decisions is causing a lot of anxiety.
- You feel burnt out and overwhelmed.
- You feel tense, stressed, or anxious all the time.
- There are some changes in your appetite or your weight.
- You are withdrawing more and more from friends and family.
- You have a history of mental health issues.
- Your mood is constantly shifting – often from happy to sad or even rage within minutes.
Don’t Struggle Alone: Find a Treatment Plan and Live Fully
There is no need for you to face your demons alone or for you to continue struggling for the rest of your life. At Shire Doctors and Dentists in Caringbah, we can help. Our allied health clinic offers all the support you need, from general GP appointments to professional psychological care.
Contact Shire Doctors and Dentists for a mental health care consultation.