I’m worried about a friend of mine. She revealed that she needs to undergo an expensive medical treatment. She has not told her parents and is reluctant to let them fund the procedure but she can not afford to fund it herself. Not undergoing this treatment poses a great risk to her health and the possibility of death. Although her friends and I have tried to convince her to tell her parents of her condition but she almost refuses to do so. I worry about the possibility of her not confiding in her parents at all. Are there services she would be able to access to help her receive this treatment regardless of whether she does tell her parents.
It must be very worrying for you to hear of your friend’s condition and want her to get proper treatment but ultimately it is up to her whether she tells her parents. It sounds like it is an anxious time for you too as you wait to see what will happen. It is hard to feel powerless and all sorts of feelings can emerge including anger and frustration as well as sadness and confusion.
You ask if there are services that can help your friend. I am assuming she has seen a doctor but if she needs further medical advice she could contact the University of Melbourne Health Service (Ph 8344 6904) which is free for all students of the university. Also, if your friend is an Australian citizen and is over 18 years of age she may be able to obtain her own Medicare card so you could perhaps suggest she make inquiries. If you or your friend would like to discuss these issues further then the Counselling Service is also an option (Ph: 8344 6927). I hope your friend finds a way to get the treatment she needs.
