Information for Families and Carers

This information is general and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a qualified health professional.

Supporting someone with a mental health condition

If someone you care about is living with a mental health condition, you may feel uncertain about how to help. You're not alone. Family members, friends and carers play an important role in supporting people with mental health conditions, but it can also be challenging.

Every person's experience is different, and the most helpful approach will depend on their individual needs and circumstances. The following suggestions are general and may help you provide support in a respectful and effective way.

Listening and communicating

• Listen without judgement. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply be there.
• Take their feelings seriously and avoid minimising what they're going through.
• Avoid giving unsolicited advice or telling them to "snap out of it."
• Ask how you can help, rather than assuming what they need.
• Be patient. Recovery takes time, and there may be setbacks along the way.
• Use respectful, person-centred language. A person is not their diagnosis.

Encouraging professional help

You can support someone by encouraging them to seek professional help, such as seeing their GP or a mental health professional. You might offer to help them find information, make appointments, or attend with them if they'd like. However, respect their autonomy and decisions about their own treatment, unless they are at risk of harm.

If you're worried that someone may be at risk of self-harm or suicide, don't leave them alone. Call Triple Zero (000) or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Looking after yourself

Supporting someone with a mental health condition can be emotionally and physically demanding. It's essential to look after your own wellbeing. You can't pour from an empty cup.

• Maintain your own interests, activities and social connections
• Set realistic expectations about what you can and can't do
• Seek support for yourself, whether from friends, family or a professional
• Learn about the condition so you can better understand what your loved one is going through
• Access carer support services and peer support groups
• Recognise your own limits and know when to ask for help

Support services for families and carers

There are services specifically designed to support families and carers of people with mental health conditions:

• Mental Health Carers Australia — information and support for mental health carers
• SANE Australia — 1800 18 7263 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 8pm). Provides support, including for family and friends.
• Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 (24/7). Support and information for anyone affected by anxiety, depression or suicide.
• Kids Helpline — 1800 55 1800 (24/7). For young people aged 5 to 25, including those affected by a family member's mental health.
• Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24/7). Crisis support.

Reliable Australian resources

• Beyond Blue — Supporting Someone
• SANE Australia — Guide for Family, Friends and Carers
• Healthdirect — Supporting Someone with Mental Illness
• Carer Gateway

Sources

• Beyond Blue — Supporting someone (beyondblue.org.au)
• SANE Australia — Guide for families, friends and carers (sane.org)
• Healthdirect Australia — Supporting someone with a mental illness (healthdirect.gov.au)
• Carer Gateway (carergateway.gov.au)
• Mental Health Carers Australia (mentalhealthcarersaustralia.org.au)

Need support? Contact your GP, a mental health professional, or call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).