Still Waiting for some help

Hi I have never done anything like contacting people by computer before
But saw this site and thought I might get some help or advise.
I have a son 48 who has depression but since he has moved to live with us.
There seems to be no help!!!!!!!!!!
I dont know if there is anyone out here who lives in Tokoroa
But the Mental Health Sevice here is the PITS!!! and that putting it miildly!!
He saw a psychologist back in November who had no compassion and was very judge mental.
Put him on medication.
The nurse I had to keep ringing to find out why she had not been in contact (I thought that when on medication they had to be superivised what a joke!!
All we kept getting is excuses.
Our doctor here dont think he has had much experience with Mental illness.
Put him on a high dose then changed it then back on a high dose again
no wonder my son isn!t getting well..
Than god he has our support or I begin to wonder what would have happend to him.
Last week I went to the Metal Health department and complained.
I asked why no one had contacted my son and was told that the receptionist
thought that my son was old enough to contact them himself.

I was very angry when sometimes he can even get out of bed in a morning.
Why are these people even in a job like this if they have no understanding of Mental patients.

Again all promises of getting him help, still waiting!!!!!!.
I see all the advertisments with people like John Kerwin
but what about every day Joe Bloggs nothing!!!!!
All they want to do is give you leaflets that I feel like telling them where to stick them.

I have got on to Progress to Health a organisation here.
They have been very supportive
so lets help some thing comes out of contacting them.
Any one has any ideas.
Thanks I feel so much better now I have let of steam.

Hi,

Sorry you are having so much trouble with mental health services. Sadly this is often the case. Below is a link to the Health and Disability Code which basically sets out your sons rights.

http://www.hdc.org.nz/the-act--code/the-code-of-rights

Each region has a Health and Disabilty Advocate that can help you with any issues or complaints you may have under the code in regards to your son's treatment.

Below is a link to an organisation called Supporting Families. They provide support and advocary for the family and the consumer as well.

http://www.supportingfamiliesnz.org.nz/index.php

All the best
Roswell

I don't think your "problem" is specific to Tokoroa. That's basically all the treatment that everyone in New Zealand gets, unfortunately.

Patch, dispatch... Check back in a few months.

Can I ask what else you were expecting?

It really is up to the individuals to help themselves.

I agree that much more thorough and ongoing support would be helpful, though.

Yep, that's pretty much how it works. Pop you on some meds then fob you off to an overworked GP, who doesn't really have the expertise or time to deal with mental health issues.

As Jaffa said we are pretty much on our own. Getting exercise can be a big help, it doesn't need to be much, even a gentle walk to a park can help.