Support for mental health carers

If you provide unpaid care and support to someone who is living with or recovering from a mental illness, you may be called a carer. You may be that person’s:

  • parent
  • partner
  • child
  • sibling
  • grandparent
  • other relative
  • friend.

How much care you provide, and whether it is for a brief period of recovery or a longer time, will depend on severity of their illness.

Across our mental health services at Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group, we know that caring for a loved one with mental illness and understanding their journey can be challenging and rewarding.

We acknowledge the enormous contributions you are making to your loved one’s wellbeing and recognise actively partnering with you helps ensure your loved one receives the best possible care.

We also want you to feel empowered, supported and adequately skilled to provide this care.

Recovery can be defined as creating and living a meaningful life in a community of choice, with or without the presence of mental health issues.

Whatever journey your loved one takes, it is important to remember people can, and do, recover from mental illness.

Each person’s recovery journey is unique. Some people move progressively along their journey from mental illness to wellness, while others may move forward but then take a step back.

As a carer, you play an important role in supporting your loved one throughout their recovery journey.

It is important you understand your rights as a carer.

The Carers Recognition Act 2004 (external site) and Western Australian Carers Charter detail how carers are to be treated and involved in decision-making processes for their loved one's treatment and care planning.

Research shows treatment works best when consumers, carers and staff share their knowledge of what is happening and are aware of what is being done to help.

Confidentiality means keeping your loved one’s personal information private and only sharing this information with their consent. We will only share their information without their consent if not doing so places someone at risk.

When your loved one is first admitted to our service, we will ask if they consent to you being involved in their care. Your loved one may choose to:

  • share some information
  • share information with certain people
  • not share information at all.

This is their legal right, and we will respect their wishes.

If your loved one consents to sharing information

This will enable us to seek your opinions and observations when making treatment decisions. You will be encouraged to work in partnership with our mental health staff, however you have the right to say no if you do not wish to be involved.

Set times will be made for you to meet staff. Contact by telephone is also welcome. When a meeting takes place, the content of the discussion will be documented in the consumer’s medical record.

If your loved one declines to share information with you

We can still support you as a carer, even if your loved one chooses not to share their information with you.

Caring for someone with a mental illness may be difficult at times, and you may feel a range of emotions.

It is important you ensure your own physical, social and emotional needs are met so you can manage in times of extreme stress, as well as over the longer term.

Being a carer can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Remember to recognise your own limitations and to take breaks to recharge if possible. Taking a break can seem impossible when you feel overwhelmed, however every break is valuable, no matter how small.

You may also need support to develop practical and emotional skills to ensure you maintain your own wellbeing.

Information brochures for family, friends and consumers can be provided by both in the inpatient team and /or the Community Treatment Teams.

A good starting point is encouraging your family member to see a general practitioner (GP). If that is not possible, contact your nearest mental health service and ask for guidance.

In a mental health emergency, take your loved one to your nearest emergency department.

You may need to call 000 (triple zero) if you need the assistance of emergency services to help your loved one get safely to the emergency department.

More information

Last Updated: 15/09/2023