WHILE carers of people with mental illness want to jump in the dinghy and weather the storm too, instead it's up to them to be the lighthouse.
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That's the motto of One Door Mental Health carer advocate Vicki Jennar, who wants carers to turn their focus back on themselves.
"You can't pour from an empty cup," she said.
"It's an assumed role, it can be a parent, a partner, a close friend or even a neighbour.
"When they are in the new role of caring for someone who has a mental illness it can be very daunting for them."
More than 16 per cent of people in the Hunter New England Health district have experienced high or very high psychological stress, HealthStats NSW data shows.
For more of those people, family and friends become a pillar of support, and for primary carers it can take a toll.
At a workshop in Tamworth, carers for people with mental illness can learn strategies to deal with what can be an emotionally draining task.
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Without proper self care, some of those carers can end up suffering from mental illness themselves, Ms Jennar said.
"We want to assist the carer's to develop ideas and strategies for nurturing that they can inform their journey," she said. "It can be as little as taking time for yourself, going for a walk, investing time into a hobby.
"It can be acknowledging you need some respite from your caring role."
The workshop will teach the importance of self care and how individual it can be.
The One Door Mental Health workshop for mental health carers is on in Tamworth March 26.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
