Carers
Advice and support for people caring for others
We understand that caring for people who are experiencing mental health issues can be overwhelming.
Mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, can present differently in different people, and you may find it confronting to see changes to your loved ones’ emotions or personality.
It’s important as a carer, to care for yourself, while caring for others. If you have found yourself overwhelmed and in need of support it’s important to reach out for help as soon as possible.
It can be difficult to watch family, friends or loved ones experience mental health issues and many people are unsure how to provide support particularly when their loved one may be acting and reacting differently to how they normally would.
Some people living with a mental health issue will want to talk about how they are feeling, while others may not want to speak about it at all, especially at the beginning of a diagnosis or treatment. It can be helpful to let them know that you are available to talk whenever they are ready, but try not to pressure them as they may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about discussing issues.
It is human nature to try to ‘fix’ things when we see a loved one is upset or struggling but they may just need you to sit quietly alongside them or listen to their fears and doubts without making suggestions.
For some people, arriving at or attending an appointment may be difficult and you might like to accompany them to the appointments or attend it with them depending on their individual preferences.
Some people living with a mental health issue will want to talk about how they are feeling, while others may not want to speak about it at all, especially at the beginning of a diagnosis or treatment. It can be helpful to let them know that you are available to talk whenever they are ready, but try not to pressure them as they may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about discussing issues.
It is human nature to try to ‘fix’ things when we see a loved one is upset or struggling but they may just need you to sit quietly alongside them or listen to their fears and doubts without making suggestions.
For some people, arriving at or attending an appointment may be difficult and you might like to accompany them to the appointments or attend it with them depending on their individual preferences.
Speaking to someone you trust, like a friend or family member, about how you are feeling can help. You might be surprised to learn that others have had similar experiences and opening up will enable your friends and family to support you.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, and have noticed a change in your emotions, you might benefit from professional support. Your GP can help you access support, particular to your needs. Getting help early on is important, so if you feel like you’re not coping get in touch with your doctor to organise an appointment as soon as possible.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, and have noticed a change in your emotions, you might benefit from professional support. Your GP can help you access support, particular to your needs. Getting help early on is important, so if you feel like you’re not coping get in touch with your doctor to organise an appointment as soon as possible.
If you feel like you are in a high level of distress and need help immediately, don’t wait. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit your local emergency department.
We offer a range of community based mental health programs, including general support for adults experiencing emotional wellbeing concerns as well as specialised programs for parents and people impacted by the effects of alcohol and other drugs.
Access to our services is via GP referral. So the first step is to visit your GP, who will discuss a care plan with you and refer you to an appropriate service.
For our alcohol and other drug services, you can also self-refer by contacting our services directly.
More information about the services we offer is available below:
New South Wales
St John of God Raphael Services – free specialist pregnancy and early childhood counselling and support for parents.
Victoria
St John of God Raphael Services – free specialist pregnancy and early childhood counselling and support for parents.
St John of God Mental Wellbeing Services – low or no-cost counselling and therapy.
Western Australia
St John of God Raphael Services – free specialist pregnancy and early childhood counselling and support for parents.
St John of God Mental Wellbeing Services – low or no-cost counselling and therapy.
Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Network (DAWN) – free, confidential drug and alcohol withdrawal support (in the home) for individuals and their carers.
South West Community Alcohol and Drug Service (SWCADS) – free alcohol and drug counselling and education in WA’s South West.
Head to Health - free, walk-in mental health support for adults in the Perth metro area. No appointment, referral or Medicare card needed.
For more information about the community services we offer visit our St John of God Health Care Community and youth services.
Access to our services is via GP referral. So the first step is to visit your GP, who will discuss a care plan with you and refer you to an appropriate service.
For our alcohol and other drug services, you can also self-refer by contacting our services directly.
More information about the services we offer is available below:
New South Wales
St John of God Raphael Services – free specialist pregnancy and early childhood counselling and support for parents.
Victoria
St John of God Raphael Services – free specialist pregnancy and early childhood counselling and support for parents.
St John of God Mental Wellbeing Services – low or no-cost counselling and therapy.
Western Australia
St John of God Raphael Services – free specialist pregnancy and early childhood counselling and support for parents.
St John of God Mental Wellbeing Services – low or no-cost counselling and therapy.
Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Network (DAWN) – free, confidential drug and alcohol withdrawal support (in the home) for individuals and their carers.
South West Community Alcohol and Drug Service (SWCADS) – free alcohol and drug counselling and education in WA’s South West.
Head to Health - free, walk-in mental health support for adults in the Perth metro area. No appointment, referral or Medicare card needed.
For more information about the community services we offer visit our St John of God Health Care Community and youth services.
Supporting someone - Beyond Blue information and resources on how to support someone with anxiety, depression or suicidal feelings.
PANDA | Support that’s always there, for you and your family offers a range of services including an online mental health checklist for carers and a national helpline (Monday-Saturday) 1300 726 306.
Carers Australia is the national peak body representing Australia’s unpaid carers, advocating on their behalf to influence policies and services at a national level. There is a section on the website with information for carers.
The Alcohol and Drug Support Line is a confidential, non-judgemental telephone counselling, information and referral service for anyone in Western Australia seeking help for their own or another person’s alcohol or drug use. Metro WA (08) 9442 5000 and Country 1800 198 024
PANDA | Support that’s always there, for you and your family offers a range of services including an online mental health checklist for carers and a national helpline (Monday-Saturday) 1300 726 306.
Carers Australia is the national peak body representing Australia’s unpaid carers, advocating on their behalf to influence policies and services at a national level. There is a section on the website with information for carers.
The Alcohol and Drug Support Line is a confidential, non-judgemental telephone counselling, information and referral service for anyone in Western Australia seeking help for their own or another person’s alcohol or drug use. Metro WA (08) 9442 5000 and Country 1800 198 024
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