Both social workers and psychologists can help you and your family come to terms with a “new normal” when living with a lung condition. They can help with feelings of uncertainty about the future, adjusting your lifestyle, emotional well-being, and family support.
A psychologist tends to focus more on mental and emotional well-being issues, whilst a social worker may focus more on “outward” problems around practical and social support like housing, daily tasks of living, communication and managing medical appointments.
When might I need a social worker?
You might need to see a social worker when help is required with:
- Daily tasks of living – shopping, cleaning, personal hygiene, meals, and self-care.
- Housing and/or transport – unstable housing, rental assistance, no transport or cost of transport, distance to treatment and community mobility.
- Family roles – childcare, care of family, respite for carers and relationship challenges.
- Financial concerns – cost of treatments, financial planning and/or advice, insurances, superannuation, government payments and loss of income.
- Transition planning – end of life decision making, enduring power of attorney, advanced care directives, writing wills and aged care assessments.
- Better understanding of your diagnosis and treatment
- Providing emotional support
- Peer support
How can a social worker help?
Social workers can help by providing:
- counselling to individuals and groups
- information and links to support services
- referral pathways and strategies to navigate practical difficulties
- advocacy and support when networking with external agencies
When might I need a psychologist?
You might need to see a psychologist when:
- You feel like life is more difficult and you need support to cope
- You would like an assessment of your mental health because you are experiencing feelings of anxiety and depression while you are navigating the stressful time associated with your illness.
Feelings of anxiety and depression may be influenced by a variety of issues such as a new diagnosis, flare-up or recurrence, upcoming scans or tests, adjusting to change and sadness or stress about your circumstances. These are all very big feelings for you to deal with. You may wish to look at our Mind Matters resources such as Big feelings and Adapting to change to help get you started.
How can a psychologist help?
They explore and talk to you about how you are coping with your circumstances. They can then help you to develop strategies to address problems and worries. Strategies might include focusing on positive emotions and identifying when you feel joy, pleasure, comfort, warmth. They may also encourage you to look at your communication style and whether you’re fully absorbed in stimulating activities outside medical appointments. Other strategies may include looking at your relationships with others that are positive, nurturing and rewarding, or finding meaning in your current circumstances and your accomplishments even in this difficult time. Psychologists can work with your GP or psychiatrist to determine if a prescription may assist.
Other worries that are addressed by psychologists are:
- depression, anxiety or stress
- mental health difficulties
- adjusting to change
- grief or loss
How do I find a social worker or psychologist?
Social workers and psychologists work in many locations, including hospitals and community health settings. If you are admitted to hospital, or attending hospital for treatment or medical appointments, you can ask your healthcare team if there is a hospital psychologist or social worker you could speak to. Alternatively, you can access these services through your GP via a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). This plan can provide you with Medicare subsidised appointments with either a psychologist or social worker.
You may also like to search for these service providers in your local area:
To find a social worker refer to Australian Association of Social Work (AASW)
To find a psychologist refer to Australian Psychological Society (APS)
What if I’m still confused about who to see?
Your treating healthcare team or GP can help you navigate which service will suit your needs best. It may take time to establish a good fit when seeking support from a psychologist and/or social worker. Strategies to work around this can also be discussed.
