Has anyone had any experience with online therapy. My mother lives overseas (Australia) and has become very depressed. We are not really sure why. She has not had any previous episodes or family history.
She has tried 2 different antidepressants. She has only been on the second one 2 weeks, but is yet to see any benefit.
There are long waiting lists where she lives, for private and public psychiatrists and psychologists. As a result 2 of my sister's, think it is best that she admits herself to a private psychiatric hospital. My Father, myself and my other sister don't know. She doesn't want to go to hospital.
I would be grateful for people thoughts on this. Obviously I do not see her regularly, but am probably the closest to her out of all her daughters, she says this herself. We speak/email multiple times a day. My Father is not really good at feelings, went to boarding school at 7, but obviously wants her to get better.
I think she would struggle mixing with the other patients, who could potentially be a lot more unwell than her. To an outsider she seems fine, plays Bridge multiple times a week, walks with friends, goes out to dinner with friends at least once a week. She would also be anxious about explaining where she was to people, although she could just say on holiday.
I would appreciate advice on what people think would be best for her. I myself am wondering about online counselling first. If anyone has any recommendations for this (7 hour time difference) it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, you lovely bunch.