What do the letters stand for?
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ACRONYMS
PRN
MIRT PHN RDP etc |
Click on the image to discover the answer |
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"Knowledge has a beginning but no end" Geeta Iyengar We are developing a book list, some of which will be educational and some inspiring stories. We can all be assisted on our journey through the world of mental health if we continually increase our knowledge. We can also understand that we are not alone when we read autobiographies or biographies of people who have also been on the journey. Please Note: The books in our list are suggestions received from Members and do not necessarily represent the views of Naradell Inc.
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Ruby Hillsmith is the inaugural Write-ability poetry fellow at Writers Victoria and was selected as a 2020–21 Wheeler Centre Hot Desk Fellow for her non-fiction project exploring the culture of Australian institutional psychiatry, Little Islands, Dead Sea.
Her memoir, The problem of living - Dispatches from deep psychiatry was included in the Griffith Review 72 published in 2021.
Her memoir, The problem of living - Dispatches from deep psychiatry was included in the Griffith Review 72 published in 2021.
Other Things You May Like To Know ... ...
(some of this information may also be found on our Carers page)
Companion Card
If you have a disability and a lifelong need for 'attendant care support' in order to participate in community activities and attend venues, the Companion Card can help you with the costs of getting out and about with the support of a companion.
Companion Card holders receive a second ‘companion' ticket at no charge at participating venues and on public transport. The 'companion' ticket is also exempt from booking fees.
The Companion Card is issued in the name of the person who has a disability, and is valid for 5 years.
A companion is any person who accompanies a cardholder and provides attendant care support. The cardholder’s chosen companion may be a paid or unpaid assistant or carer, family member, friend or partner.
Click on the link for more information on the Companion Card and how to apply. (The information provided on an NDIS application may be helpful to use on the Companion Card application form.)
Companion Card holders receive a second ‘companion' ticket at no charge at participating venues and on public transport. The 'companion' ticket is also exempt from booking fees.
The Companion Card is issued in the name of the person who has a disability, and is valid for 5 years.
A companion is any person who accompanies a cardholder and provides attendant care support. The cardholder’s chosen companion may be a paid or unpaid assistant or carer, family member, friend or partner.
Click on the link for more information on the Companion Card and how to apply. (The information provided on an NDIS application may be helpful to use on the Companion Card application form.)
Keep a Diary / Journal
We go through many stressful, emotional times trying to understand what happened. We do our very best to communicate with a variety of mental health professionals whilst on a steep learning curve.
Some health professionals, such as psychiatrists, can be making decisions on the basis of consultations perhaps once a month and a considerable amount can happen within that month. To communicate more effectively with health professionals it can be very helpful to maintain a diary of progress, regress, moods, achievements etc.
Some health professionals, such as psychiatrists, can be making decisions on the basis of consultations perhaps once a month and a considerable amount can happen within that month. To communicate more effectively with health professionals it can be very helpful to maintain a diary of progress, regress, moods, achievements etc.
Keep a record of medications
For some, an effective medication may be prescribed in the first instance and treatment of the mental health condition controlled without further complications. For others it may be a journey of trial & error until an effective medication is found.
For various reasons there can be changes in psychiatrists, hospitals or even interstate moves. A record of previous medications, maximum dose, effectiveness, length of time on the medication and reason for prescribing the medication can all become buried or overlooked and as time goes on it can all become more complicated,
It can therefore be very helpful to keep a record of medications. It can assist in understanding the medications being taken, the reasons and effectiveness. This knowledge can be useful when attending psychiatric appointments. It can also assist if, at some future time, a new psychiatrist recommends a medication and is unaware that the particular medication has been previously tried with either no effect or perhaps even a detrimental effect. It may still be decided to trial the medication a second time but in the case of a previous detrimental effect, the situation can be monitored with more effectiveness.
A suggested template is available by clicking on the links.
For various reasons there can be changes in psychiatrists, hospitals or even interstate moves. A record of previous medications, maximum dose, effectiveness, length of time on the medication and reason for prescribing the medication can all become buried or overlooked and as time goes on it can all become more complicated,
It can therefore be very helpful to keep a record of medications. It can assist in understanding the medications being taken, the reasons and effectiveness. This knowledge can be useful when attending psychiatric appointments. It can also assist if, at some future time, a new psychiatrist recommends a medication and is unaware that the particular medication has been previously tried with either no effect or perhaps even a detrimental effect. It may still be decided to trial the medication a second time but in the case of a previous detrimental effect, the situation can be monitored with more effectiveness.
A suggested template is available by clicking on the links.
Dental hygiene - Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
We need saliva to moisten and cleanse our mouths. Saliva prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth.
Dry mouth is a common side effect of many prescription drugs resulting in tooth decay. There are treatments available at pharmacies that can help the dry mouth condition. Regular dental check-ups are also important and can become overlooked with so many other things going on in the lives of carers and cared for.
Dry mouth is a common side effect of many prescription drugs resulting in tooth decay. There are treatments available at pharmacies that can help the dry mouth condition. Regular dental check-ups are also important and can become overlooked with so many other things going on in the lives of carers and cared for.
Supermarket Quiet Hour
Coles and Woolworths (and perhaps others) provide a low sensory shopping experience by having a weekly quiet hour where they lower the lights, turn down the music and turn off oven buzzers. There are no PA announcements except for emergencies. If you are feeling particularly fragile at any time this may be helpful.
Particular days & times for the various locations can be found on their websites.
Particular days & times for the various locations can be found on their websites.
Our Hummingbird will take you Home
