LIVE CHAT: Accessing Mental Health Support Online - Thursday 23 April
Please note we are running this chat on Thursday 23 April - not Monday like we usually do.
With all of the changes happening in the world at the moment, we are needing to use technology in so many different ways. Catching up with friends, working from home and medical consultations are just some examples of this.
For some of us, the current circumstances also mean that there are changes with how we are accessing mental health support. Telehealth - accessing health services using telephone or video chat - has been in use for a number of years for people living in rural and remote communities, however is now being used much more widely. This way of accessing appointments provides a lot of opportunity, however at the same time may be new for many of us.
On Thursday 23 April at 7:30pm AEST we will be having a live chat about accessing mental health support online and discussing some tips and strategies online appointments. Looking forward to chatting with you on Thursday night!
Hey guys!
It's been an absolute blast having this chat with you all tonight, and I found it super helpful and informative! Thanks to everyone who took part
@Bananatime04 @mrmusic @WheresMySquishy @Bee @Hozzles !!
For anyone who wasn't on tonight, feel free to keep responding and adding to the resources and advice we have here! 😄 
Night!
Thank you so much everyone! This has honestly been one of my favourite GRs. 🙂
I'd love to hear other people's resources and answers.
@WheresMySquishy same! I loved this chat 🙂
thanks for all your answers guys! and for also educating me on what Telehealth is
@Bananatime04 AMAA stands for Ask Me (Almost) Anything. 🙂
We had it here.
Oh @WheresMySquishy I missed it whoops
I also found another helpline for gambling related issues here .. I’ve never actually used it because I’ve never gambled but other users might use it??
@ecla34 I've experienced services not using certain video apps too. My sister's hospital has to use one that their workplace requires them to use. Unfortunately, it isn't that reliable in terms of actually working. 
@Bananatime04 I think that's valid too. 🙂
Did they get to see your face or did they just listen to your symptoms?
It was just like using web chat on support services.. like a doctor messenger. We didn’t call or FaceTime but they had a profile picture, I didn’t. I just told them what was wrong and they told me what was wrong with me.
But honestly, I had no concerns using it.. it was really helpful actually 🙂
@Bananatime04 That's so cool! I think it would be more helpful for symptoms that they don't have to physically look at. Sometimes, I've had to show a doctor a rash or they have to use a slit lamp to look at my eyes, or they've had to touch parts of my body to find where I have pain.
@WheresMySquishy erk that does sound annoying!
@Bananatime04 really good suggestions! having in-between services that cover gaps your ongoing supports might not (like at night) is a really awesome idea! 😄
Next question! 😄
Do you have any concerns about accessing telehealth appointments at home, eg concerns to do with privacy? How do you think we can manage these?
(is it a GR if we don't have a mean girls gif? i think not! )
Do you have any concerns about accessing telehealth appointments at home, eg concerns to do with privacy? How do you think we can manage these?
Yes I do, for me, it is more about getting the privacy from my family, as often I'd prefer them not to know exactly what I'm talking about.
Luckily my first video call with my psychologist (and it was my last one, the next is yet to happen) my brother was working, dad was asleep and mum was busy unpacking so I was able to close my door and shut them out. I do worry that they will purposely listen in. I'm not sure how I can combat that at this point, I may email them through or see if there's a text option in the program my psychologist uses.
I know with my psychologist she lets us choose between video or call or another arrangement, I don't think at this point anyone is allowed into her practice, but she's continuing to ask me if I'm comfortable with it, etc. which is helpful to know she's making sure it's okay.
Another way we could try to manage the privacy from those around us is to put it tell them you need to have a confidential/private chat and would really like it if they respected your wishes and not listen.
Do you have any concerns about accessing telehealth appointments at home, eg concerns to do with privacy? How do you think we can manage these?
I’ve never used this sorry 😞
What can be some benefits of online mental health supports, rather than face-to-face?
You can use them where ever you are, whenever you want! Like you don’t have to go anywhere, you can literally be in bed.. and I’m pretty sure some of the online services allow 24/7 access. Don’t think you can see someone face to face at like 12pm when you’re actually struggling. I personally hate face to face support because I’m never struggling when I see them, I just talk about something that has happened (mostly because I’m fine during the day, the night times are when I need the most support). And you don’t have to pay.. but I didn’t have to pay for my previous psych (it was government funded) but it still didn’t help as much as online services.
