Jessica's story*

“We have two children each with their own experiences of mental health issues. Our son fought for years trying to be normal, became so depressed he tried to hang himself, developed psychosis, longed for friend and relationships, but kept on being rejected because he was different.

We have spent years in and out of specialist rooms, counselling rooms, psychiatrist, psychologist, Private hospitals, various programs and YPARC. Most of our daughter's years have been spent on suicide watch at home either in my bed, or sleeping on our bedroom floor. I would wake at each noise or movement she made to check on her. I taught the kids at home supporting them with Distance Education or Home Schooling. I fought for them to get help.

We've had little support during all this time, and lots and lots of challenges to face. Added to this I was diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, took one of my childhood abusers to court, he pleaded guilty and spent nearly a year in jail before he was released on bail, and all of the family supported him, not me.

It's been a hell of a journey in and out of different counselling settings, and psychiatrist, I don't want to do it anymore. I've learnt a lot about coping with challenges, but I hate telling my story over and over again, especially when going for counselling. We just do the best we can with the knowledge we have. I'm not seeing anyone currently for counselling, although sometimes my GP will step up, listen and encourage me. I've got counselling sessions available through Victims of Crime, but I don't want to start again. I still struggle mentally.

My kids continue to have mental health issues, and it's been a hard journey trying to get help for them. Going under the NDIS has made it worse as there is now no case management services. Before the NDIS we could get short periods of case management through DHHS when things were bad, but now with the NDIS we can't get any.


* Names and places have been changed to protect individuals.

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Family and friends supporting someone with mental health issues can call Tandem’s Support & Referral Line on 1800 314 325