WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?
Mental health is not merely the absence of mental illness. It is the embodiment of social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. It is fundamental to physical health, productivity in the workplace, school, family, and overall quality of life. Mental health provides individuals with the vitality necessary for active living, to achieve goals and to interact with one another in ways that are respectful and just (VicHealth, 2009).
One out of every five Australians [about 20%] will experience one form of mental illness each year. Three out of every ten [about 3%] will be seriously affected.
WHO ARE CARERS?
'Carers provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness or who are frail.' (Carers Australia, 2000)
Carers are not defined by age, gender or race, and a person may become a carer at any stage in their lifecycle. A carer can be a wife, husband, child, other relative or friend. Sometimes a carer may not even recognise that they are a carer. F THE CARER?
The role of the carer is specific to the situation between the carer and the person in need:
- Some carers will be required to take a range of tasks to support the living needs of the person they care for including: administering medication, feeding, dressing etc
- Some carers may only need to provide financial and transport support
- Most carer provide emotional support
- Most carers contribute support for up to 40 or more hours per week*
WHY DO PEOPLE BECOME CARERS?
People become carers for different reasons and these may include;
- The person requiring care is a relative or friend
- The carer feels an emotional obligation to support the person in need
- The carer feels that the are the only person who can provide the care needed
- There may not be any other family or friends available to provide the care
- The carer feels they have no other choice but to provide the care*
Like any caring role, taking care of someone with a mental illness can be challenging. It is important that the carer recognises that it is normal to have a mixed range of emotions in response to caring for someone with a mental illness, and these may include: guilt, shame, anger, fear, resentment or love.
A carer has a range of support available to them in their community; however it may be that the carer is not aware of who they can talk to or what entitlements they have. Here are some things that carers should know:
- They are not alone, there is support available!
- They may be eligible for a carers allowance
- They can access carer support groups in their community
- There is the Mental Health Statement of Rights and Responsibilities of Carers & Advocates
Not all carers will feel the same and each carers needs are unique to their situation. It is vital that professionals such as Practitioners and Counsellors are aware of the dynamics of each carer scenario, so that they can identify needs and recommend the appropriate referral pathway.
* Remember: as much as caring for someone can be challenging, it can also be a rewarding experience for the carer, provided they have access to appropriate support.
Information sourced from 'Carers Australia'
YOUNG CARERS
Young carers are people under the age of 26 who provide care in a family, and provide a wide range of practical and emotional assistance to those for whom they care including:
- Provide increased emotional and physical support
- Pick up household duties
- Pay bills
- Care for siblings
- Administer medication
- Advocate and negotiate with services
Sometimes these things can be daunting and overwhelming for young carers. Stigma can sometimes prevent a young carer from accessing help, or they simply may not know that it is available to them, much like that of their adult counterparts.
COMMON ISSUES FOR CARER
Carer Mental Health
Good mental health is important for all people. Mental health or 'mental wellness' is just as important as physical health.
Sometimes caring for someone can lead to some personal problems for the carer, such as not being able to enjoy life anymore, feeling low and unmotivated.
Activities to keep yourself in good mental health:'
· Talking about your feelings
· Keeping active
· Eating well
· Drinking sensibly
· Keeping in touch with friends and loved ones
· Asking for help when you need it
· Taking a break
· Doing something you’re good at and enjoy
· Accepting who you are
· Caring for others
Carer Acknowledgement
Professionals should be aware of the following key terms associated with carers:
§ · Carer (the person caring for someone in need)
§ · Carer identification (does the carer recognise they are a carer)
§ · Carer recognition (recognises the contribution carers make to support and care for the person with mental health)
§ · Mental health (mental health everybody's business)
§ · Mental health legislation (Mental Health Rights and Responsibilities 1991)
§ Carer recognition legislation (law relating to carers)
Carer Social & Physical Health
Social Health: Unfortunately carers often miss out on important social relationships because of their commitments to the person they care for. This extends to areas of employment, recreation and leisure activities, which may result in isolation.
It is important that carer have the opportunity to form social networks that allow them to maintain a balance between being a carer and being the individual that they are.
Physical health: Caring for someone can take a physical toll on the carer, either directly through physical wear and tear or indirectly by restricting time and energy of the carer’s health behaviours, such as seeing a doctor or engaging in physical activity. So it is important for carers to take care of their own physical health needs.
If the carer does not have access too, or seek appropriate support then there is at risk of developing significantly higher rates of poor physical health than the general population.
Australian and international policy and legislation support carers as a partner in the delivery of services to improve outcomes for people with a mental illness.
The Mental Health Statement of Rights and Responsibilities acknowledges that caring and advocacy roles are complex and the relationship between carers and consumers can change frequently and may also vary according to the age of the consumer. The following statement, taken directly from the document, assumes identification but clearly states it as right. (www.health.gov.au)
"With consent of the consumer, carers and advocates are entitled to:
§ Be consulted by service providers about measures under consideration for treatment of the consumer or for his or her welfare
§ · Arrange support services such as respite care, counselling and community nursing facilities;
§ ·Exchange information with those providing treatment concerning the consumer's lifestyle and their relationship with others." (page 17, Mental Health Rights and Responsibilities, 1991)
