hi there, I’ve been having issues with my mental health for a while now (high anxiety, burnout, depressed, stressed, engaging in sh, low self esteem, rs with self and others, etc). Early on in the year I forced myself to try therapy but in a private practice since that worked better for my schedule (after hours sessions). But now it seems too costly to keep up and sessions have shifted to online till Mar 2026 due to reasons. I’m trying to hold off sessions and only request for more only if needed. I haven’t been coping well (sh happens at least once daily) and I feel because of the low frequencies of sessions, I am not progressing much as I hoped. My therapist is really nice though, I feel comfortable around her, and I really don’t want to stop seeing her. Am seeing her for once a month currently.
I have also done the mental health assessment at CHAT and 2 options were suggested. One was to see a psychiatrist at a hospital and the other was a subsidized counselling center. Due to personal reasons, I didn’t want to proceed with the second option and opted for the first. However, as the Youth Support Worker at CHAT has not gotten back to me regarding the appointment date (it’s still processing), I’ve been getting very anxious about it and am worried about the long wait time which some people online said could take months. I’m considering whether its better to get a second referral from a polyclinic to a place with sooner availability or getting meds from the polyclinic itself (Would like recommendations/suggestions for places to go to regarding both). I’m not sure if I should go the non-subsidised route and am considering that as the 2nd last resort before going to the A&E. I find myself ruminating over and over on this and am at a loss of what to do. Would appreciate it if there are any suggestions
Thank you for reaching out and sharing what you have been going through. I can see that you have been trying very hard to cope better. For example you took the first step of seeing a counsellor. This is a very laudable and responsible step.
However, you have astutely identified and acknowledged that the current level and intensity of monthly sessions of counselling support is insufficient in helping you effectively cope with your current distress. This is not the fault of anyone. You have been feeling overwhelmed and I gather the daily self harm has been your only source of relief to cope. However, this daily self inflicted harm is unhealthy and risky.
Recognising the urgency of the current situation, I also see that you proactively took another step and reached out to CHAT. Your anxiety about waiting for the CHAT referral is very understandable. Please do consider sending a reminder.
Understandably, given how much you’re struggling, it’s reasonable to consider other options in parallel while waiting.
May I therefore recommend that you consider the next step of making a polyclinic appointment soon, and thereafter seek an urgent referral from the attending doctor. You could also discuss suitable medication for immediate relief as you navigate next steps towards healthy coping mechanisms and better mental health.
If you are in immediate danger, feel unsafe or need urgent assistance, please also consider going to the nearest A&E dept or call SOS at 1767. Both operate 24/7.
Please know that you don’t have to solve every issue at once. One more clear step (for example, booking a polyclinic appointment) is enough for now. You fully deserve timely and essential support soon. Please keep reaching out meanwhile; know you are not alone. Sending you warmth and care.
Hello OP and thank you so much for sharing this. I believe you have gotten some great advice about options on how to proceed but I would like to address the fact that you’re struggling with sh.
This must be very difficult for you and I do understand the reasoning behind as I went through this myself.
I would like to suggest something but want you to remember that it is s difficult journey and it will take time but it is one I am sure you will accomplish.
Obviously I don’t know exactly what type you are feeling or doing and I would encourage you to switch to pulling a rubber band against your wrist rather than anything else. My therapist told me this and it greatly helped as it would bring me out of the zone that I was slipping into. Also it jolts your body awake and does this without leaving wounds so it may be helpful to reduce the once a day that you are currently experiencing.
On top of this there is an app called Finch. Maybe you could try it? I have had it for about a year and for some random reason it seems to be working for me. They also have free breathing excercises and what not.
I hope it helps, I am proud of you for reaching out both on this forum as well as to your therapists. It is tough now but you will get through it
Hey @LoadedLlama Thank you for sharing so openly, I just want to say that it is great that you recognise the urgency of your situation and are taking matters into your own hands. I believe you can try going to the polyclinic and explaining your situation to the GP, hopefully they are able to assign you for a referral ASAP. I understand that cost is another important factor, so definitely give the subsidised route another go before switching to a costlier one. I have also found a list of polyclinics that are able to provide you with medication without requiring external referrals (with the caveat that it may not suit all types of mental health needs). Hope this helps!
Thank you @CaringBee@user2417@apricotparrot for your advice and kind words! I’ve scheduled a polyclinic appointment the night before and have gotten the referral! Currently waiting for the appointment details but hopefully all goes well
@user2417 Seeing your comment has definitely made me feel less alone and make me believe that things will get better, even if it’s one smol step at a time. I’ll give both the rubber band method and Finch app a try and see how it goes
@apricotparrot Appreciate you sending the link! I’ll definitely give the link a look and find out more too!
Thank you for sharing so openly, I just want to say that it is great that you recognise the urgency of your situation and are taking matters into your own hands. I believe you can try going to the polyclinic and explaining your situation to the GP, hopefully they are able to assign you for a referral ASAP. I understand that cost is another important factor, so definitely give the subsidised route another go before switching to a costlier one. I have also found a list of polyclinics that are able to provide you with medication without requiring external referrals (with the caveat that it may not suit all types of mental health needs). Hope this helps!