Supporting someone living with a mental illness

You may be caring for someone who has been recently diagnosed with a mental illness for the first time or they are having a relapse of their mental illness. This can include changes in the person's thinking, emotional state or behaviour which can affect their daily life.

These changes can disrupt the person's ability to work or carry out their usual personal relationships. The person may also be at risk of self-harm, neglect, harming others or suicide. Many mental illnesses can be episodic in nature so the continual stresses of being a carer may not be necessarily recognised or acknowledged by others. The person who is experiencing a mental illness may not know or admit that they are unwell or may even refuse help. This can be caused by fear, shame and stigma or not knowing what is happening to them.

1. What is mental illness?

Mental illness is also called mental disorder. It is extremely common in the Australian population. 1 in every 5 Australians — about 4 million people experience a mental illness in a given year, and almost half the population has experienced a mental disorder at some point in their life. The most common mental disorders are depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. For more information visit health direct website.

2. Finding Support

The first step in seeking help would be to see a local general practitioner (GP) who is able to diagnose a mental health problem and provide treatment or refer the person to the most suitable service. A GP is able to make a referral to a psychiatrist for diagnosis and treatment and/or psychologist for behaviour and lifestyle management. This will depend on the person's diagnosis, level of need and ability to consent and accept treatment.

If there is an immediate risk or crisis There are several ways to get help:

• NSW Mental Health Line 

Anyone can call the 24 hour/ 7 days a week state-wide service to obtain advice on the most suitable service for their needs and availability in their local area. The service does not provide therapeutic interventions such as counselling and psychotherapy. Phone 1800 011 511

• SWLHD Mental Health Services

Provides assessment, referral and/or treatment for children, youth, adults and older persons affected by mental illness.

• Information for Families, Carers and Friends Booklet

• Lifeline Australia provides 24 hour/7 days a week crisis support on the phone and online for anyone in need.

For serious mental health concerns such as self-harm, drug or alcohol overdose/poisoning, violence, intimidation, neglect, loss of insight due to psychosis or depression etc. please call the services below. If there is an emergency, please Phone the Ambulance or Police through 000.

Other Help Lines

Recovery Point - An online mental health specific directory & phone app for south western Sydney developed by the SWSPHN.

3. Where can carers find support? 

• One Door Carer Services - Phone: 1800 843 539. One Door Carer Services provides information, education, advocacy, and support, through the Family and Carer Mental Health Program (FCMHP). One Door’s Carer Advocates are based in the Hunter New England, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, Sydney, and South Western Sydney areas. One Door’s Carer Advocates can provide individual support services as well as education and training for carers and families of someone living with mental illness.

• Carer Gateway - Phone: 1800 422 737 provides information, emergency respite and support services for all carers nation wide.

• Carers NSW - Phone: 02 9280 4744 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday) provides information and support for carers within NSW.

4. Useful Australian websites for information on mental health disorders, treatments, supports and recovery