Supporting someone with mental ill health?
If you’re caring for someone with mental health and/or substance abuse issues, it can be very hard.
You’re not alone. There’s an estimated 1.5 million people caring for someone with mental ill health in the UK.
‘Hidden’ caring
Because mental health problems are not always ‘seen’, and the support needed can be more emotional than practical, carers often don’t see themselves as carers.
But you could be providing all sorts of help – emotional support, positivity, encouragement, and also quite often practical help too, e.g. with daily tasks such as shopping, cooking and cleaning, when they find things overwhelming.
You are a carer.
Specialist support
We have a specialist team – Mental Health Carer Advisers – to support YOU.
They aim to support you directly – as well as working with professionals in Surrey to help them support carers in this situation better.
They can talk to you about your caring situation and suggest ways to help, and ensure you get the support you need.
They can also let you know about ACS events and support groups, as well as signpost you on to further sources of help, from Surrey County Council, NHS and other charities and community groups.
Our Mental Health Carer Advisors work in various ways:
- Our Whole Family and Substance Abuse team support and advocate for family members who are caring for people with mental health conditions. This includes young carers (under 18). We also have a person supporting and advocating for carers looking after people who have a history of substance misuse.
- Two of our advisers work with Surrey and Borders ‘Home first’ team looking to identify and support those hard-to-reach carers, who are supporting people in real mental health difficulties, such as psychosis, likely in, or near, crisis point.
- And two further ACS staff are Carer Practice Advisers within the Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust working with staff to help them better identify, understand and support this group of carers.
Get support
To get support from our Mental Health team, please contact our Helpline (0303 040 1234) or register with us giving a brief description of your caring situation, and we’ll put you in touch.
What conditions are there?
Mental ill health refers to conditions that have a negative effect on the way someone thinks, feels, and acts. Conditions include:
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Bulimia and Anorexia
- Depression
- Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Personality disorder
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Psychosis
- Schizophrenia
Although these illnesses are varied, carers can share similar challenges.
Carer’s Assessment
As a carer you are entitled to a Carer’s Assessment. This should happen even if the person with the mental health problems does not have an assessment themselves.
This should mean support and help for you as a carer, and recognition of your role in your cared for’s life.
Better understanding
It can be very hard to fully understand what someone with a mental health problem is going through. But the more you understand the better you can help, and the better you will feel. There may be times when they upset you a great deal. If you can, taking time away can help. Our free events, and support groups can help.
Support groups
Talking to others in a similar position can help.
I’ve benefitted by sharing my time with people who understand me, don’t judge and give me lots of support
Carer, Surrey
We have a number of specialised support groups running regularly, including sessions for carers of adults with mental health problems, and for carers of young people with mental health problems.
It’s a chance to talk to others who understand, and share tips and advice. They are very relaxed, informal get-togethers, held at our Hubs (regular drop ins for carers at 15 Surrey locations), or online. Find out about our support groups here.
When they won’t seek help
When the person you care for won’t ask for or accept help, it can be very hard. Talk with our team about this.
Charity Mind also has helpful guidance on what to do in this situation.
Looking after yourself
As with all caring, it’s so important to also look after yourself. Caring for someone with mental health problems can be extremely stressful and emotionally draining. It’s hard, but try and find time for your own health, relaxation and social life.
I felt like the service Action For Carers provided was like a safety belt around me and my mental health. I had felt like I was drowning and your help was like a life ring which supported me and gave me a sense of normality, allowing me to keep my senses, and work through things. Now I feel way more stable; you helped me to succeed in my benefits claims – and this has been life changing. With your help, my mental health has improved hugely, and I am much better able to cope.
Online forums
If you can’t get to an Action for Carers group, you may like talk to others or read about others challenges in an on-line forum or community. Carers UK’s forum has many discussions about caring for people with mental health problems. Go to the site and you can search by topic.
Charity Mind also have an on line community, Side by Side.
Events
Action for Carers often run events for carers of people with mental health problems, such as information days or workshops, usually with guest speakers.
We also have general events that may help you, about looking after yourself as a carer, and social activities. Take a look at all our upcoming events here.
For younger carers
Many young carers are caring for someone with mental health problems, often a parent. We have specific support via our Surrey Young Carers service. It can be hard to have someone with mental health problems in the family, but we have information, events and social activities to help you as a young person in this situation.
The evening was brilliant as a stress relief and to spend time out from home.
Other sources of support
Catalyst
Catalyst are a Surrey charity helping people affected by stress, anxiety and depression. They also offer services to help drug and alcohol users who want to change their lives, and reduce the harm to themselves and their families. Catalyst support carers too, with a range of activities. They also run ‘Family and Friends’ groups across Surrey, where trained group workers provide carers with advice, coping strategies and support. Visit their website, or call them on 01483 590 150. The website has a section for families and carers.
Carers Trust
The Carers Trust has further information on supporting someone with mental health problems, as well as looking after your own mental health.
They also helped develop the The Triangle of Care approach. This was developed by carers and health care professionals to improve carer engagement in acute inpatient and home treatment services. The guide outlines key elements to achieving this as well as examples of good practice. It recommends better partnership working between service users and their carers, and organisations.
Mind
Charity Mind has lots of help and information on its website for carers and family members generally on coping when someone in the family has mental health issues.
Rethink
Charity Rethink has lots of helpful information on mental health on its website.
Turning Point
Social enterprise, Turning Point provides health and social care services, particular supporting people with drug and alcohol misuse and mental health problems.
They have a free Carers Wellbeing Guide, with advice on issues such as practising self-care, letting go of negative emotions including sadness or resentment and taking breaks to have a chance to rest. Useful for anyone caring for a friend or family member whether they are struggling with mental health issues, addiction or any other long term conditions.
Being a parent carer of a young person with a mental health problem
You may find it especially difficult to be the parent of a young person with a mental health problem. Charity Young Minds can help. They work to ensure young people get the best possible mental health support and have the resilience to overcome life’s difficulties. They have support for families too, including a Parents Survival Guide and a confidential helpline for parents, 0808 802 5544.
Time to Change
Time to Change is a campaign working to end mental health discrimination.
