Help Me Get My Health Back

Hi, my name’s Lauren and I’m currently in crisis.

I’m 33 years old, I live in Canberra, Australia and I suffer from Crohn’s Disease, Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Migraines, Seizures and a Meningioma (Brain Tumour). As you can imagine, having all these illnesses takes an immense toll on my Mental Health.

Sadly, last week after many months of waiting to see a private Psychiatrist in Sydney (due to all the Psyche’s in Canberra’s not taking new patients), this new doctor cancelled on me as Sydney are in lockdown due to the growing COVID cases. I broke. After 18 months of an Endo and Crohn’s flare it was crucial for me to get my Mental Health in check at least, however he wouldn’t even begin to entertain the thought of a Telehealth or Zoom appointment. My GP wanted me admitted to a psyche ward due to my concerning, escalating psychiatric symptoms, however the Private Psychiatric Hospital here in Canberra has 25 beds and 60 people on the wait list. So, I called the Public Health Crisis Team and they came to evaluate me on Saturday. However, sadly they triaged me down the list due to my having an adequate support network in my family. So, despite my suffering acute and troubling Psychiatric symptoms, because I have a loving family, I was denied a bed in the public psyche ward.

Today, I have amazingly been offered a bed, this coming week at Byron Private Holistic Treatment Centre in Byron Bay. It’s a world class psychiatric treatment facility that offers programs based on extensive international research and proven results that positively change people’s lives for the long term. There are no electronic devices, as they want you to fully commit to the process without distraction. They offer Personal Therapy, Group Therapy, Life Skills, Equine Therapy, Massage, Acupuncture, Yoga and Meditation, Creative Therapies, Nutritional Support and much more. It’s truly an incredible opportunity! One I’d hate to miss out on. Unfortunately, they don’t accept Health Insurance. They have however, offered me a partial sponsorship. The cost of the program is $35,000, but they’re willing to cover a large portion of the costs as are Mum and Dad. My Parents are by no means wealthy, but are more than willing to cover a big chunk of the cost.. what they can essentially. Which is what brings me here.

I never imagined myself on this forum asking for help. but here I am. I wouldn’t ask if I weren’t desperate. I have no other avenues to explore and both my physical and mental health are suffering more than I can handle. Your help, no matter how small would be so greatly appreciated that I can’t even put it into words. It would literally impact my life forever. Please help me. I need this right now more than I am adequately able to express.

Thank you so much for reading my story and for your help xx