What are some of the support services SANE Australia recommends for carers of people with a mental illness?

There are many resources you can refer to for information about mental illness.  Helplines, websites and government mental health information services provide a range of services.

‍13YARN
13YARN is an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line funded by the Australian Government with the support of Lifeline and developed in collaboration with Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia. It is run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
13yarn.org.au

Australian Government: Head to HealthHead to Health can help you find digital mental health services from some of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations. Provided by the Australian Department of Health, Head to Health brings together apps, online programs, online forums, and phone services, as well as a range of digital information resources.

headtohealth.gov.au/

Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria (ARCVic) Helpline
The Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria (ARCVic), funded by the Victorian Government, offers a range of services for people experiencing anxiety, OCD, depression, and other mental illnesses. Our main offering is the Anxiety and OCD Helpline, which provides support, information and referral to people with anxiety disorders and their families and carers, as well as to mental health care providers. The Helpline operates from 10am to 8.30pm Monday to Friday. Highly trained and dedicated volunteers respond to callers. Volunteers receive on-going support and supervision from Helpline Team Leaders, Helpline Supervisors, the Helpline Coordinator and other ARCVic Staff. Helpline volunteers assist callers to understand and manage symptoms of anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental illness, to identify problems and barriers to recovery, to more effectively deal with the impact of their disorder on family and relationships, and to develop self-management skills. Volunteers may also provide appropriate and accurate information about mental health disorders and recommend evidence-based treatment interventions, as well as referral to professional, community and health services. Helpline: 1300 269 438 or 9830 0533.
https://www.arcvic.org.au//

Black Dog InstituteThe Black Dog Institute is a world leader in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.

www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/

Blue Knot Foundation Helpline (formerly Adults Surviving Child Abuse)
The Blue Knot Helpline provides information and short term counselling nationally via telephone for adults survivers of childhood trauma on 1300 657 380 and email  7 days a week 9am to 5pm AEST.
www.blueknot.org.au

Butterfly Foundation
Butterfly provides support for Australians who suffer from eating disorders and negative body image issues and their carers. Phone: 1800 33 4673
thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/

Carer GatewayAre you one of the 2.5 million Australians who care for a loved one, friend or neighbour? Find out information about the support services available to you, on the Carer Gateway.

www.carergateway.gov.au

Friendline

FriendLine is for anyone who needs to reconnect or just wants a chat. All conversations with FriendLine are casual and anonymous and our friendly volunteers are ready to talk about anything and everything.

friendline.org.au

Gambling Helpline
Starting to think gambling might be a problem? Find out about the signs of a problem and assess gambling issues and spending. Phone: 1800 858 858
http://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/

HeadspaceHeadspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation. We help young people who are going through a tough time.

www.headspace.org.au/

Kids Help Line
Confidential and anonymous, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25. Phone: 1800 55 18 00
www.kidshelp.com.au/

Lifeline
24 hour telephone counselling service. Phone: 13 11 14 or Text: 0477 13 11 14 6pm - midnight AEST
www.lifeline.org.au/

Mensline Australia
A dedicated service for men with relationship and family concerns. Phone: 1300 78 99 78
www.mensline.org.au/

Mindframe-MediaFor media and resource information about suicide in Australia

mindframe.org.au/

MI Networks
Offering access to relevant, up-to-date information, peer support and connections to local community networks, Mi Networks members provide a personalised response to the needs of individuals living with mental illness, their carers, friends and family members. Phone: 1800 985 944
www.minetworks.org.au/

1800RESPECT
National sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling services 24-hour online support for workers and professionals.Phone: 1800 737 732
www.1800respect.org.au/

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling is Australia’s leading national provider of high quality, free and confidential counselling and support services for Australian veterans and their families. If you or someone you know needs support call Open Arms on 1800 011 046 - 24 hours a day, seven days a week or visit www.openarms.gov.au. 

PANDA - National Perinatal Depression Helpline
PANDA’s National Perinatal Depression Helpline, funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments, provides vital support, information, referral and counselling to thousands of Australian parents and their families.  Callers do not need to have a diagnosis of antenatal or postnatal depression to make contact with the Helpline, PANDA is keen to support any new parent struggling during pregnancy or after the birth of their baby, as well as their partner, family and friends. Phone: 1300 726 306 from Mon – Fri, 9am – 7.30pm (AEST/AEDT).
www.panda.org.au/

Parentline
Parent Line is a telephone service for parents and carers of children 0-18 in New South Wales. Phone: 1300 1300 52
www.parentline.org.au/

QLife
QLife provides Australia-wide anonymous, LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. Phone: 1800 184 527
qlife.org.au/

ReachOut.comReachOut.com is Australia’s leading online youth mental health service. ReachOut.com is an initiative of the Inspire Foundation, an Australian non-profit with a mission to help young people lead happier lives.

au.reachout.com/

Relationships Australia
Relationships Australia is a leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities. Phone: 1300 364 277
http://www.relationships.org.au/

SANE Australia
SANE Australia is a national charity helping all Australians affected by mental illness lead a better life – through campaigning, education and research. SANE conducts innovative programs and campaigns to improve the lives of people living with mental illness, their family and friends. It also operates a busy Helpline and website, which have thousands of contacts each year from around Australia. Phone: 1800 187 263
http://www.sane.org/index.php

Stride Mental HealthFormerly known as Aftercare, we’ve been helping people feel better for over a century. Stride supports you in all stages of your mental health journey.

https://stride.com.au/

Key facts

• Caring for someone with a mental illness can be challenging and it’s OK to feel a range of emotions.
• Looking after yourself will help you to stay well and better care for the person with mental illness.
• Learning about your loved one’s mental health condition can help you support them.
• A mental health safety plan may help you and your loved one know what to do in a crisis.
• There are many support services available for mental health carers.

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:

• fear
• confusion
• guilt
• shame
• uncertainty

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:

• Plan the conversation in advance. Think about the best time and place to start the conversation.
• Be patient and non-judgmental.
• Offer support but be clear about what you can, and can’t, do to help.
• Remember that the person is more than their mental illness. Reminding the person about who they are and what they enjoy can help them (and you) separate their identity from their 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:

• Ask your loved one if you can come to their medical appointments. As well as providing emotional support, you can provide another perspective about their illness and treatment. Having another person at appointments can also help them recall what was discussed.


• If your loved one is receiving treatment in a hospital or mental health facility, help them make plans for when they go home. Ask if you can attend a discharge planning meeting (with their consent).


• Be aware of the warning signs that your loved one is becoming unwell. A mental health safety plan including these details can be very helpful. If your loved one has made a safety plan, keep it somewhere that’s easily accessible.


• Offer practical help such as preparing meals, shopping or cleaning, since some people recovering from a mental illness will find everyday tasks overwhelming. But eating well and living in a pleasant environment can aid their recovery.

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 payments

You 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:

• Carer Allowance — available to eligible people caring full-time
• Carer Payment — available to eligible people providing extra daily care (not full-time)

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 work

Your 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 care

Support 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 help

Your 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.

Transport

You, 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.