Moved from UK to Australia-ADHD Medication

[Ausanna]

I have been off my adhd meds for 4 weeks. This is NOT good! My prescriptions have been free back home in Scotland (NHS). I naively assumed that because I was diagnosed by a psychologist in the UK, all I’d have to do here in Australia is show them my prescriptions and GP info. I even had a full transcript of my medical history but nobody seems to give zero craps..In a nutshell, unless I’m being prescribed by a psychologist HERE they will not honour my medical needs. I have burst into tears at 3 pharmacies and counting. 3 different GP’s have tried to prescribe for me, but the dispensary won’t accept this it gives them out because they are NOT psychologists. Never mind that they know my history, have all my UK notes etc..it counts for nothing. So the only way is to get a psych appointment (GP referred me & I’m on the list) and in the meantime suck it up. I’m miserable, crying all the time, trying to adapt to a new life with 2 kids as a newly single mum (1 has Asperger’s, 1 has ADHD). It’s not been a great month. IF there’s anyone out there who has any advice or can even just try to give me a non-adhd fatalistic view on things, I’d be truly grateful. Hugs to you all…❤️

[GatsbyCat]

Hello Ausanna~

Welcome to the group. Gosh, you are really going through a difficult changes with so many things in your life all at once. My sympathies!

It will get better. Yes, I agree it sucks that a country move necessitates new psyc to prescribe your medication. I live in USA so do not know the rules where you're living. But, I do wonder if your old prescribing doctor might have any colleagues where you live now, and could reach out to one for an "emergency" rx right now?? Just to tied you over until you can get on with the new psyc doc.

Take a little time for yourself right now, because it's so HARD. Some non-perscription things could include: execize with your children (take them for a walk- whatever/ biking, etc) Before everyone is up: meditate and do stretching. Green herbal tea, and yeah take your vitamins. Magnisium has been shown to help ADHD, and a regular daily schedule to help you AND the children have a daily routine. Good for you and them.

I wish I could help you out more, but don't know the agencies. Maybe someone in Australia in our group could please help?

Best wishes, and as you're doing positive helping steps already, it should in the end be okay. I wish you and your children a good happy and well lifetime! Positive vibes.

GatsbyTheCat

🐕😸

[Ausanna in reply to GatsbyCat]

Thank you so much for the reassuring words and advice! Truly grateful. I will look into GP connections between here & UK for sure. Sending love & light your way from wintry (but cozy) Australia! 🇦🇺☀️🌊

[GatsbyCat in reply to Ausanna]

How super kind of you!! Hope some of these other replies are helpful too. BTW, have you checked out any parent groups with playdates for children? That could also help a bit during these tough times a bit?

[FindingTheAnswers]

Hi Ausanna. Obviously you have a lot of things going on in your life. You're very overwhelmed and since you've moved, I don't know if you have any one to turn to at this time, even for just emotional support. This is one of those times in life where I say life just 'Gang's up' on you. I wish I had a concrete answer for you. It's not much, but please realize, and believe that you are not truly alone. Myself and many others on this website have been in your situation one way or another. I wish you many good things, but mostly I wish you relief from your Mental/Emotional Hell.

[Ausanna in reply to FindingTheAnswers]

Thank you SO very much!! What a lovely wee community this is! Appreciate you all 🥰

[Betsy74]

I’m in Uk not Australia - but have you tried the Australian adhd foundation, they have a helpline who may be able to advise.

[Ausanna in reply to Betsy74]

Oh this is a brilliant idea!! Certainly hadn’t thought of that!! Thank you very much 🙏 Will get in touch with them tomorrow!

[anotheradhdhead]

You are absolutely amazing! Getting your history notes, finding and going to three GPs and three pharmacies! Not to mention all with two children whose needs are different and not understood by many. You are a rock star.

💪😎👍

[Ausanna in reply to anotheradhdhead]

Aww thank you so much!! My Medicare card hadn’t arrived til very recently either, so I was paying for everything which was a bit hard too. But! With all these suggestions and support..I feel tons better. You guys are the best 😌

[Deerailed]

Hi Ausanna, I am in Australia, so should be able to help if you have any more questions. I think you mentioned you have an appointment to see a psychiatrist, but it was a long wait. I'm sorry you have to go through this difficult process, I've been through it myself and it's awful. For example, if you forget to make an appointment and run out of meds, you can be waiting 6 weeks to see the psychiatrist again.It's very tightly controlled here, but the only way you can get a prescription is by going to see a psychiatrist, and make sure you are going to one who deals with ADHD in adults. The downside is they charge about $500 for the first visit (but you get about $300 back on Medicare. Mine charges $320 for each subsequent visit, and I get $180 back. If you are working you might have to pay the full price for meds, maybe $50-60. If you are unemployed or on a health care card, you get it subsidised by Medicare to about $6. As you can see, it's expensive to have ADHD in Australia!!

Meanwhile I suggest you reach out on line to Beyond Blue. They have a lot of great resources to help you not feel so alone in this. Let me know how you're going, and good luck.

[Tasha567]

hi Ausanna, sorry to hear about your troubles I hope it all worked out for you.

I’m planning a move to Australia this year from Scotland, and I have just been diagnosed with adult adhd today. It’s worrying me a bit and I was wondering how difficult the immigration process was with adhd? In terms of visas etc, I’m wondering if this will set me back. Thanks

[DDsquirrel]

that sounds terrible! I’ve been through similar passages, and they suck. In one now, in fact, due to a US nationwide shortage of meds, and a change in my medical coverage. I am so distractable I had to go 12 or 15 blocks to get to a place 1 1/2 blocks from my house because I missed the turn! I don’t really have solutions, but I wanted you to know you are seen, and you are not alone!