Any expats in oz?

[ClondawWarrior]

I'm posting for me, my bf and her mother.

My lovely amazing friend has been in Australia for two years. She's in a work contract until sept 18.
She's been having a very tough time out there, and has got into some debt.
She suffers with her mental health, and doesn't have a support network out there, a flat mate but mostly her support is her lovely dog.
The problem is we know she wants to come home but is so worried about her debts, and she is lonely, she is on depression medication but sadly she has tried to commit suicide.

We really don't know where to seek help, advice or guidance and are terribly worried.:does anyone have any advice please?

I'm thinking of contacting citizens advice

What state is she in OP? It's different in each...

I'm a GP in Oz.

I'm sorry about your friend. It's so hard when they're far away and struggling. It sounds like she's probably seen a GP if she's on antidepressants. Hopefully she sees someone regularly who she feels she can work with. If not then it would be good to find a GP who she feels comfortable to see regularly. Unlike in the UK you can see any GP you want to see as long as they're accepting new patients, so she's free to "shop around" until she finds the right fit.

If her suicide attempt was known to anyone medical (eg if she went to A&E or her GP) then she may have been in contact with psychiatrists through the public health system but the services offered there differ quite a bit from one area to another - some are great and some are very stretched. If you or her family feel she's at immediate risk to herself then you can contact her local psychiatry team or the police who will advise you what to do.

If she's not in immediate danger and not under the public system it sounds like she would be eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan which is done by a GP and gives access to up to 10 subsidised sessions with a psychologist which she might find helpful. It also gives access to a private psychiatrist for assessment. She'd be able to choose the psychologist and/or psychiatrist and there are usually some excellent ones around in metro areas. In the bush you're much more limited.

In terms of the debts it may be worth her looking at ASIC and ACCC which are government run and talking to the national debt helpline www.ndh.org.au/

I hope that helps a bit with navigating the system.

Thank you so so much for your help.

She was admitted to hospital I'm sorry I missed that out in my panic.

She Is NSW