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[Former-Member]

I just wanted to say, while the different services can be confusing beyond blue, black dog instutute, sane, lifeline and I feel that they would be better off combined into one branch I think it is great that I am able to talk on a forum with people from my actual country Australia.

I'm not really sure why they don't like mentioning medication names on the forum but I will abide.

[Former-Member]

One of the reasons mentioning different medications might be good is other people can see what helped for others but again I'm not pushing anything just saying.

[Former-Member]

hello @Former-Member

I have a feeling that beyond blue, black dog and headspace are for younger groups.

i could be wrong, has happened before.

i do understand why it is better to have a site specifically for younger age as they talk their own language and some feel that us ancient ones dont know what life is about!

[Former-Member]

Hi @Breeze84, welcome to the forums. A couple of reasons we don't mention specific medications here is, I believe, because meds affect everyone differently, what works for you might not work for me and it really is an individual thing to be worked out with our doctors. However, we are allowed to mention drug groups: barbituates, antianxiety, antidepressants - SSRI's..., analgesia, opiates, headache pill... you get the drift. Guess it could also elevate anxiety about ones treatment plan, even cause some to go off their medication when negative things are said here by ordinary people. This could have devastating consequences especially for those on the edge and with severe MI who ubruptly stop meds without talking to their doctor, not to mention withdrawals. My two brothers, with psychosis, are always going off their pills for all kinds of reasons, and then landling in hospital relapsing and starting again. It is a tricky topic. Sane work hard at blocking potential harmful outcomes, keeping the forums 'safe' as possible.

Have to agree with you that the different MH organisationsations can seem to nnecessarily confusing, but I'm of the view that there's more freedom, safety and competition in numbers / different perspectives. I'm not sure but it seems to me, like churches, each specialise in particular areas: BB - depression, Blackdog - bipolar, SANE seems better with psychosis. But they're all good.

Look forward to getting to know you. But forgive me ahead of time as I have memory probs - not good at retaining details these days - Dr says its PTSD, I think its early dementia lol We're all just doing the best we can. xox

[Shimmer]

Welcome to the Forums @Former-Member, I'm Shimmer, one of the moderators here

Great feedback and questions.

You're right, the numerous different mental health services can be confusing. Some specialise in particular areas and others overlap. @Former-Member headspace is for young people aged 12-25, while beyondblue and Black Dog are for any age. Usually if you call one that isn't what you need, they should redirect you to the more relevant service.

@Former-Member is spot on with her explanation of the reasons we don't allow Forums members to mention specific medication names. Couldn't have said it better myself, thanks @Former-Member!

Great that you're happy to connect with peers in Australia over the Forums @Former-Member. I look forward to 'seeing' more of you around!