Self Care & Help

Carers play a crucial part in the rehabilitation of people with a mental illness. It is often their love, support and encouragement that helps the person pick up the pieces and get on with their lives.

However, the caring role can often be a very stressful one with the many obstacles and challenges that need to be overcome along the way.

It is vital that carers realise that if they don’t place importance on their own needs, they risk burning out and inadvertently jeopardise their ability to effectively care for their loved one.

Before looking at some specific coping skills that could benefit carers of the mentally ill, it is important to remember and practice some basic steps of stress management that help with maintaining general health and well-being:

Eat Healthy - this helps replenish important vitamins and minerals that stress tends to use up. Do not skip meals. Ensure your diet includes food from all the major food groups in proportions suggested by the Health Department.
Exercise - regular exercise is invaluable in releasing tension and reviving the body and mind; e.g. walking, swimming, bike riding, sporting activities (Always consult your doctor before starting any routine of strenuous exercise).
Time out - for example, to relax with a good book, watch your favourite TV show or organise a trip or catch up with a friend - can assist greatly in recharging your system and help you gain some perspective on your situation.

Other self-help resources on this website.
Click on the links below to explore these resources more.

Loss & grief - a family response to mental illness.

Social Withdrawal - how to deal with social withdrawal.

Coping Skills - twelve coping skills for families.

Difficult Behaviours - coping with difficult behaviours.

Mental Illness Information For Young People

(Schizophrenia, Depression, Bi-Polar Disorder)

"You are not alone"