Mental Health
The mental health system in Western Australia can be complex and we can help you navigate it, protect your rights and express your own wishes
We understand the challenges you may face as a mental health carer, especially when it comes to dealing with the medical and legal system. Our advocacy team can assist you with understanding your rights, complaints, referrals, information and resources and having your voice heard when decisions are being made about the person you care for.
If you have someone close to you living with mental health challenges, live in WA and need assistance or guidance, contact our Advocacy Team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are mental health carers?
A: A mental health carer is a close family member who provides ongoing care and support for someone experiencing mental health challenges.
Q: What is a carer advocate and how can they help me?
A: A carer advocate will work alongside you according to your needs.
Examples of how advocates can help include:
- Understanding your rights as a carer
- Accessing mental health services
- Referring for practical support
- Providing information and resources
- Processing complaints
- Guidance on law related matters
- Accompanying you to meetings
Q: I am not supporting my loved one full-time, I still go to work! Surely, I’m not a carer?
A: Care giving comes in a wide range of scenarios. Care can be full time or part time. If you are providing ongoing care for someone that they rely on – then you are a carer.
Q: I don’t live with the person that I provide support for, am I still a carer?
A: Care giving comes in a wide range of scenarios. Care can be full time or part time. If you are providing ongoing care for someone that they rely on – then you are a carer.
Q: I’m not paid – therefore I’m not a carer, right ?
A: This is a common misconception and not true. In fact, research shows that there are at least 240,000 unpaid mental health carers across Australia. It’s estimated that the annual cost to replace these carers would be around $13.2 billion.
Q: What are some common challenges faced by mental health carers?
A: Common challenges faced by mental health carers include stigma, isolation, lack of support services, financial strain and emotional stress.
Q: What rights do mental health carers have?
A: Subject to exceptional circumstances and clinical judgement, mental health carers have rights to:
- access information about their loved one’s condition and treatment
- participate in treatment decisions
- receive support services
The Carers Recognition Act 2004 (the Act) and the Carers Charter recognise the rights and role of carers.
The Carers Charter states:
- carers must be treated with respect and dignity;
- the role of carers must be recognised by including carers in the assessment, planning, delivery and review of services that impact on them and the role of carers;
- the views and needs of carers must be considered, along with the views, needs and best interests of people receiving care, when decisions are made that impact on carers and the role of carers; and
- complaints made by carers in relation to services that impact on them and the role of carers must be given due attention and consideration.
Q: Surely it doesn’t matter what I think or say about the mental health status of the person I am supporting – the medical team know more than I do, don't they?
A: Yes it’s true that we expect the medical team to be the experts in their field. However, they may have only just met your loved one. You are more likely to know how your loved one was before they started experiencing mental health challenges; you know what has or hasn’t worked in the past; you also know what the side effects of certain medications may have been. Respect for your rights to work together with clinicians should help get the best outcomes for your loved ones, and for you.
Q: How can mental health carers advocate for themselves and their loved ones?
A: Mental health carers can advocate for themselves and their loved ones by educating themselves about their rights, seeking support from advocacy experts and communicating their needs and concerns to healthcare providers and policymakers.
Q: Are there specific support services available for mental health carers in Australia?
A:Yes, here at HelpingMinds we offer a range of support services for mental health carers. These services include carer advocacy, counselling and peer support programs, respite care, as well as education and training opportunities.
The carer advocate stood shoulder to shoulder through a long process where we tried to get the hospital to communicate and treat us respectfully.
Our family is eternally grateful for your amazing support throughout our most horrific period of our lives. We could not have got through without you.
Thank you kindly for your time and for listening to my situation. The knowledge you have shared has been very valuable, easy to understand and has given me and my husband hope going forward. I am sincerely grateful for your assistance and offer to be there in the future.
The advocate was very much on topic, and very intelligent in understanding and responding to our problem.
