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Natasha was first referred to Grand Pacific Health’s Integrated Recovery Services (IRS) program through her GP. She was suffering from anxiety and depression after a series of events in her life, including the passing of her mother after 9 years as her carer, while suffering from Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures/ Functional Neurological Disorder (PNES/FND). She was also experiencing a lack of family support and looking for a suitable place to live after her mother’s passing.
Natasha began working with Stacey, a GPH Mental Health Recovery Clinician and Mark, a Peer Worker, who helped her identify specific goals for her life. She was then offered referrals to other services such as Partners in Recovery (PIR) and Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) – to assist with her recovery journey. The team helped her apply for the Disability Support Pension (DSP) and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). They also worked with Natasha to develop a PNES (seizure) management plan to help her when she experiences seizures in the presence of others, while also delivering sessions on managing emotions when things become difficult.
Natasha said she was grateful for the way the services worked together to support her:
“They always gave me space to sit in the ‘difficult spots’ and were the rock in my recovery” said Natasha.
Stacey and Mark also supported Natasha to speak to her GP about an application for the use of medicinal cannabis in order to help control her seizures. Natasha is now working with a clinic in Sydney and has found a mixture of legal CBD Oil and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that allows her to live a more seizure free and pain managed life. Natasha is now keen to get involved in advocacy for people wishing to access therapeutic cannabis. She has now been granted the DSP, has regular weekly services to help manage her wellness, has purchased her own property and is heavily involved in the local community.
“Her recovery journey has been inspiring to be part of,” said her Peer Worker Mark. “She is living such a full life now with new hobbies, hope and purpose – its great to see,” added Mark.
