I'm supporting someone
Caring for someone with mental illness can be difficult.
As a carer it is important to get support for yourself.
Supporting someone with mental illness
When someone is experiencing a mental health condition, they will often speak to friends and family before going to a health professional, which means your support is really valuable. Knowing how to help can be hard, but there are lots of simple things you can do to help.
Providing emotional support by listening and asking what you can do to help, or calling them to see how they are, can make a difference to someone’s mental health. There are also practical things you can do, such as giving them a lift to an appointment, writing down notes from their doctor, or helping them with medical paperwork to help support them.
Visit healthdirect to find out more about supporting someone with a mental health issue
Visit Beyond Blue to learn more about supporting someone with a mental health condition
Visit SANE Australia to learn more about supporting a young person you are concerned about
Supporting someone who is suicidal
In an emergency, always call 000.
If you're worried about someone and unsure how to talk to them about it, seeking help or guidance online can be a good place to start. Beyond Blue offers
helpful information on supporting someone who is feeling suicidal. And there are
tools and tips
available to help young people communicate safely online about suicide.
Learn more about supporting someone with mental illness
There is a range of practical resources and information online that can help you to feel confident in supporting a loved one, as well as looking after yourself.
What rights do I have?
As a carer, you have needs and responsibilities that are separate to those of the person you’re caring for. You can be given consent from the person you’re supporting to help them make decisions about their treatment, care and discharge plans. This could also include getting access to their medical information from their treating doctor.
You play an important role throughout all stages of treatment, care and recovery for the person you're supporting.
Learn more about your rights as a carer in NSW
Learn more about the rights of mental health patients in NSW
online and over the phone support for carers
It is important to look after yourself when you are supporting someone else, both physically and emotionally.
There are a number of support lines, peer support forums and online resources that provide support to people who care for someone with a mental illness.
head to health
Head to Health can help you find digital mental health services from some of Australia's most trusted mental health organisations.
Wellways Helpline
Free and confidential mental health information, support and referral advice. Providing support to individuals, families, friends and carers.
Monday - Friday 9am to 9pm
NSW family and carer mental health program
Programs to support the wellbeing of families and carers of people with mental health conditions. Search for local service providers.
Carer Gateway
Speak to Carer Gateway staff to see what services and support are available in your area. This could include counselling, respite care and connecting you with other carers.
sane australia
Friends, Family & Carers Forum
Online forum to connect with other people and share your experience of caring for someone living with complex mental health issues.
Find a mental health & Wellbeing SERVICE
Search the mental health directory based on location, age and service type to a find services available to you.
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WNSW PHN aims to keep the information provided on this website current, however we do not necessarily endorse or have responsibility over the health services we may link to, and we cannot guarantee the accuracy, currency or completeness of the information provided.
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