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How does a person's mental illness affect their family and friends?Having a mental illness can affect a person’s family and friends in many ways. As their relative, partner or friend, your experience will depend on your relationship with the person and their specific mental health condition. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions when someone you care about is diagnosed with a mental illness, including:
Some people also describe feelings of grief and loss for their previous relationship, and for the kind of future they imagined together. You may need to take on new roles or responsibilities previously held by the person with mental illness. If you take on a direct caring role, your relationship with the person may change. This is especially significant for people caring for their partners or parents. Following their diagnosis, recovery from mental illness can be a process. People with mental illness may experience fluctuations in their symptoms and their ability to function in everyday life, depending on their stage of treatment and recovery. It’s normal for your role and feelings to change depending on their state of health. What do I need to know about the person's mental illness?Every mental health condition is different. Try to learn about your loved one’s mental illness, including the symptoms they might experience, possible treatments and common side effects of medicines. This can help you feel more confident in your role as a support person, as well as allow you to fully participate in your loved one’s ongoing care (with their consent). Everyone’s experience with mental illness will also be different. Recovery may include trying different treatments or medicines, which work differently for everyone. Try to be patient with your loved one (and yourself) throughout this process. How do I talk to a loved one about their mental illness?Talking to your loved one about their mental illness can help them feel less alone and more supported throughout their recovery. Simply being present and available to support them can be invaluable. Here are some tips for talking to your loved one about their mental illness:
How can I help someone with a mental illness in a practical way?As someone who knows them well, you can play an important role in the person’s care. Here are some ways you can support them:
What is a mental health safety plan?People with a mental illness may experience periods of overwhelming emotional pain, which can lead to suicidal thoughts or plans. A mental health safety plan contains tools and strategies to help the person cope and get through a crisis. Encourage your loved one to make a safety plan and share it with you. They may also appreciate your help in making the plan. You might include suicide warning signs as well as coping mechanisms they’ve used effectively in the past. You can use Beyond Blue’s Beyond Now suicide safety planning app. How do I look after myself while caring for someone with a mental illness?Caring for someone with a mental illness can be challenging. It can increase the risk of you developing a mental health condition, as well. Looking after your own physical and emotional needs will allow you to keep caring for your loved one throughout their illness and recovery. It’s normal to experience a range of emotions when caring for someone with a mental illness. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge your feelings and the effect of your loved one’s illness on your own life. Consider sharing your feelings with a friend or family member, or seeing a counsellor or psychologist. Some people find it helpful to join a support group for carers of people with a mental illness. It’s important to look after your own needs. Try to get enough sleep, follow a balanced diet and maintain your own interests. If your loved one needs a lot of support, you may need to plan a break. Arranging respite care can help you focus on your own physical and emotional needs while knowing that the person is being well cared for. What are my rights as a mental health carer?As a mental health carer, there are many services available to support you. Some of these payments and services are national, while others are state- or territory-based. Carer paymentsYou may be eligible for Centrelink payments, depending on your circumstances. There are two main Centrelink payments for carers looking after people unable to care for themselves due to illness, disability, or ageing. These are:
People eligible for either of these payments may also receive the Carer Supplement — an annual lump sum to help cover the costs of caring. Visit the Services Australia website for more information and to check your eligibility. Rights at workYour employer is not allowed to discriminate against you for being a carer. You have the right to ask your employer about flexible working arrangements. You’re also entitled to take leave to support a family or household member who is unwell. As a carer, you may be able to take paid or unpaid leave. Visit the Fairwork Ombudsman website for more information about your options. It’s a good idea to discuss your situation with your employer, so you can find way to balance your work and caring responsibilities. Respite careSupport for respite care may be available via My Aged Care or National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) services. Visit Carer Gateway to find respite care in your area. Home helpYour loved one may be eligible for home help or meal services via My Aged Care, the NDIS or other state- or territory-based services. Visit Carer Gateway for links to services provided by individual states and territories. TransportYou, or the person you care for, may be eligible for free or subsidised public transport or taxis. Carers may be eligible for free travel with a Companion Card. Each state and territory have a taxi voucher scheme — visit Carer Gateway for links to each state’s scheme and to check your relative, partner or friend’s eligibility. How do you check to see if someone is mentally ill?Some basic guidelines are: Reiterate that you care; share your concern, but not judgment; do not diminish your friend's problems; let them know your ideas for finding more help and support. Think about these "next step" questions: How can I help? I care about you.
How can you help a friend who is showing signs of mental illness?There are some general strategies that you can use to help:. Listen without making judgements and concentrate on their needs at that moment.. Ask them what would help them.. Reassure and signpost to practical information or resources.. Avoid confrontation.. Ask if there is someone they would like you to contact.. |