Caring for somebody with a mental illness

Caring for a person with mental illness can be challenging, depending on the severity of the illness.

A carer—parent, spouse, relative, neighbour or friend—can provide daily help with activities such as personal care, cooking, cleaning and medicating.

Independent people with mental illness may also need a carer to help with weekly tasks such as shopping, house cleaning and banking.

Your role as a carer

A carer is important for supporting a person with mental illness on their recovery journey.

Carers can:

• administer medication
• access the mental health professional assigned to the person in their care
• manage the person's finances (e.g. pay bills, submit Medicare claims)
• help with personal care (e.g. dressing, bathing)
• help with cooking, house cleaning, shopping
• help the person to understand their illness
• provide emotional support.

Your rights as a carer

It's important to understand your rights as a carer.

How to support yourself while supporting others

As a carer, it's important to ensure your own physical, social and emotional needs are met so you can cope better in times of extreme stress, as well as over the longer term. This may be difficult at times or you may feel guilty.

When you are looking after someone else it is important to recognise your own limitations.

Caring for someone can be emotionally and physically exhausting.

To keep your health in check:

• have a good support system, like family, friends, or a support group
• ask for help, if needed
• eat a nutritious and well-balanced diet
• maintain a positive outlook and a sense of humour
• exercise regularly—aim for at least 30 minutes of activity everyday
• maintain hobbies or activities that you enjoy and find personally rewarding
• ensure you get enough sleep—around 8 hours a night
• have regular health check-ups with your doctor.

If you start to feel stressed or unhappy, see your doctor immediately.

Where to find help

• Support for carers
• Mental Health Carers ARAFMI Queensland—Phone 1800 351 881 to get support 24-hours a day.
• Carers Queensland—Phone 1800 242 636 for information about carer education and training, support groups and payments.
• Lifeline Australia—Phone 13 11 14 for 24-hour phone crisis support if you need emotional support.
• 13 QGOV (13 74 68)—ask about direct support and services for carers.
• The Officer for Carers—ask about matters relating to government support for carers. Phone: 1800 177 120 (freecall within Australia). Email: officeforcarers@disability.qld.gov.au
• Young Carers—Phone 1800 242 636 for information and support for young people who are in a caring role.