Carer Consultants

When a loved one suffers from mental illness, it can have a dramatic effect on every member of the family.

Just as those with the mental illness need to receive the most appropriate care, those who love and care for them need support also.

Through the State Government’s Mental Health Carer Support Program, Latrobe Regional Hospital employs Carer Consultant Frith Dennis.

Frith grew up with a sibling who suffered mental illness, so she has first-hand knowledge of the issues and hardships such a situation can cause.

“A lot about him (her brother) was really lovable, but having someone with a mental illness in your family can also cause a lot of chaos,” Frith said.

“It can be a strain on friendships and personal relationships.

“Unlike physical disabilities, mental illness is not something that we can identify just by looking at someone.

“As a result, it is hard for people to understand and accept, which is why relationships end and carers of the mentally ill often find themselves alone.

“Mental illness not only has a huge affect on the person with the illness, it affects everyone around them.”

Frith’s role is to work with the Hospital’s mental health services to ensure the needs of carers are being met, identifying any gaps in the service or areas which would be improved.

Through carer support groups, Frith also provides information and referral to carers.

According to Frith, carers carry around with them a range of emotions and problems they often feel no-one can help them with.

These are particularly difficult for parents caring for their mentally ill children.

“There is a certain amount of grief and loss for carers of those with a mental illness,” she said.

“Parents want their children to achieve their full potential and often those who develop a mental illness do not achieve their hopes and dreams.

“Parents often find themselves struggling with their day-to-day care as well as the grief of losing who they hoped their children would become.”

As mental illness is becoming less of a societal taboo, mental health carer information and support groups have been established.

For further information about support available to mental health carers in Victoria visit The Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Victoria) website or the ARAFMI Mental Health Carers and Friends Association.