When Yass local Esther started experiencing frequent panic attacks last year she was determined to figure out what was causing them and how best she could manage it.
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Living in a regional area where access to mental health services is limited, the social media manager was looking for a service that would be easily accessible.
"I'm also from a regional area, where access to mental health services is limited, so having digital access to a service you can use from any location, is very useful," the social media manager said.
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She booked an online consultation with a My Mirror psychologist and found the tele-tech service extremely accessible.
Esther is encouraging all those who are struggling with mental health issues to seek prompt professional support.
"No matter how big or small you feel your problems are, speaking with someone will always help," she said.
Esther is not alone. Less than one in six people with psychological distress are seeking professional help, Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals.
CEO and Founder of virtual mental health clinic, My Mirror, Dr Matthew Zoeller said that the ongoing stigma associated with seeking and receiving mental health support poses a major obstacle for many Australians in psychological distress.
"Time, cost and geographical location are also severely compromising Australians' access to mental health support. This is especially true for those living in regional and remote areas, who may be required to travel to major cities or towns to access professional mental healthcare," Dr Zoeller said.
"Innovative, 'tele-tech' models of care combine secure online platforms with next-generation videoconferencing technologies, to provide entirely virtual support. Improved uptake of these digital healthcare models is key to overcoming these barriers, to ensure everyone can access professional mental health support, when, and where they need it."
My Mirror is a digital mental health clinic providing timely and affordable access to professional mental health support. The digital clinic aims to deliver timely, evidence-based, cost-effective, psychological treatment.
