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freebird

201 comments · +1,345 / −679 · rank #1577 of 40,276

I so relate. I recently asked my GP if i could see a hospital psychologist. I saw the gatekeeper person who decided whether i was unwell enough to see one. She decided i wasnt depressed despite telling her i had thoughts of suicide. She asked if i had a plan- i said i didnt have one as such. So I was declined treatment. I felt let down and ashamed. And still just carrying on like the author did. Its a very hard thing to tell someone close that you are feeling that down- you dont want to burden them.

+57−3

just saw Dynamo tonight-he is awesome-so much energy - and considering he had just finished the first show a few hours earlier! Great guy. Such a pity our Capital getting a bad name- we all miss out. Shout out to the TSB team that look after the wheelchair audience- they are great.

+34−2

if inspirational women are those who have juggle children, rushing them to daycare, zooming to work to run a company, leap to the gym, speed home to get the kids, cook their tea, write some of their thesis, clamber onto the treadmill, do a load of washing, then fall into bed for 3 hours sleep- i am quite happy not to be one.

+27−8

DHBs get some funding immediately from the govt to get more security put in place to protect your staff..and other patients. And if the main offenders are drunks then look at whats going on in our boozy binge drinking society..stop alcohol advertising and cheap vodka cruisers for teens to drink like water.

+16−2

I dont think depression should be called the black dog- black dogs are dear loving creatures- depression is a hellish miserable place- maybe black hole is more fitting. I am so so angry this past few weeks about all the articles on asking for help. I asked for help and was declined- even though i said i had suicidal thoughts. I was asked if I had a plan..I said no. Perhaps i should have said yes. Where do you go if you cant get seen by the hospital mental health team.

+7−0

i get so frustrated seeing ads for expensive dehumidifers and heat pumps. Some of us are on low income-due to health conditions- and have no outlay to fund these things. We got a govt subsidy several years ago to get insulation. There was little improvement as they couldnt get under the coldest ends of the hourse to put insulation. Our kitchen is 8 degrees in the mornings and all the windows are soaking. I go to bed at 7pm so i can be warm in my electric blanket. its an old house- not rented.

+7−0

SHame on the media for releasing part of the tape that names the backbencher- that was totally unnecessary and if that was me mentioned for the sakes of shaming Bridges (who i care nothing about) i would want to sue someone- How embarrasing for her and her family and had nothing to do with the funding issue whatsoever.

+18−11

Thankyou for this article. you know something though..its really hard when you ask your Gp to refer you for psych support as having thoughts of suicide. you get seen by an intake team member who decides because you say you dont have a specific plan to decline you from being seen. where to then.

+7−0

Absolutely agreed. And people think you can get treatment and then get better..certainly that can be the case for many but some of us struggle our whole lives with varying degrees of depression. And maybe there are others out there like me who think quite often about not wanting to be here but still carry on quietly holding onto this feeling.

+5−0

Of course theres a stigma..mental illness isnt straightforward like an injury. I have had a panic/anxiety disorder my whole life. Theres no way i would tell an employer about it and potentially lose a job. Its not like you get medicine and your cured. You dont want people and employers looking at you sideways or feeling sorry for you or worse scrutinizing your work. Thats why we keep mental health conditions quiet. Do you think an Employer is going to hire someone with a history of mental health issues over someone without any. Honestly?

+4−0

SameSkylogger...the thought of giving up is tempting but mustnt for those we would leave..but oh isnt is hard to stay and to not be able to tell people..who wants to burden people in our lives with knowing that. Take care...

+4−0

Afterhours clinics are open sunday afos. And they are usually chocka-with those of us that dont want to wait even longer at ED. Iwas very impressed with lower hutt afterhours recently-my quadraplegic spouse was having a potentially serious allergic reaction. They triaged us fast and quick treatment. Paid $70 tho he is a beneficiary...community services card no use but thats another story...

+3−1

the article stated If left untreated, the condition could lead to a serious infection or cause further health complications. I was pointing out that a perforated bowel is more serious than that and can be fatal.

+2−0

Sadly when you are feeling really depressed but not sick enough for anyone professional to help you-ie: hosp..you really have no energy or motivation to go online. I know. You need someone to help. GPs handing out meds of which they have no idea what effect they will have on you isnt the answer either. Know that too.

+2−0