If you’re taking care of a family, friend or acquaintance who has mental health challenges,
there’s a good chance that you are a Mental Health Carer.
Mental Health Carers are:
- The people collecting their family members or friend from the mental health unit…
- The people taking their loved ones to their weekly appointment with the psychologist or psychiatrist…
- The people who make sure their loved one has taken their medication…
- The parents, guardians, partners, siblings, children, neighbours and friends who have someone close to them living with (diagnosed or un-diagnosed) mental health challenges.
The majority of carers are not paid – Australia has over 240,000 unpaid mental health carers.
You don’t have to live with the person or be their main support to be a mental health carer. People of all ages can be carers, including children, and the person that you are supporting does not have to have a formal diagnosis.
We understand how hard it can be when someone close to you struggles with mental health challenges and you do it all, day-in, day-out because you love them and it has to be done.
- The energy it requires to make sure that they take their medications and show up for their appointments.
- The constant worrying about their safety or the change in their mood or behaviour.
- The effort it takes to organise not only your own life, but theirs as well.
We understand and offer free and confidential services to mental health carers.
We can help you and your family, contact us today
Mental Health Carers need support too
Here are some of the things that you may be doing as a mental health carer:
Providing Emotional Support:
You spend a lot of time listening to the person, offering reassurance, and helping them manage their emotions.
Assisting with Daily Activities
You help with tasks such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, or attending appointments.
Managing Medication:
You assist in organising and reminding them to take their medications.
Advocating for Them
You help them communicate with healthcare professionals and navigate mental health services.
Monitoring Their Well-being
You keep an eye on their mental health condition and take action if their condition worsens.
Offering Practical Help
You provide practical assistance, such as managing finances or dealing with administrative tasks.
Providing a Safe Environment:
You help ensure their living environment is safe and conducive to their well-being.
Being Involved in Their Treatment:
You are involved in their treatment plans and work with mental health professionals to support their recovery.
If these activities and responsibilities resonate with you, it’s likely that you are acting as a mental health carer.
The Conversation Hour
Take a listen to the “What is the true cost of being a carer?” episode of the Conversation Hour podcast, which discusses the ways in which carers can utlise the lines of support that are available to them.
