People don't understand

I agree, sometimes it's easier talking about the weather then personal issues which may be affecting us.

Hi Daisy,

You are right, sometimes it can feel like the things that are consuming us are things that we're not 'supposed' to talk about, because we think people don't want or aren't really able to fully hear them - that it's too much to talk about or burden others with. It can be really isolating when this happens - whether it is real (which it often is), or if we perceive it to be. I recall what a family friend said about the time when her child became unwell and sadly didn't survive cancer - she lived in a small country town, and she said that sometimes, people would cross the street to avoid speaking with her after her son's death, because they just didn't know what to say.

I think peer support (online or face-to-face) can be really useful in the tough times, because it's a way of connecting with people who really do understand your situation to some extent, and who are comfortable in talking about the 'heavy' stuff. Meeting with peers can also connect you to people who may be able to offer different suggestions or resources that they have found useful along the way.

I guess this new forum is a good example, I hope you find some value here 🙂

You are so right Daisy! So many people don't understand. I remember when our daughter first became unwell with psychosis, I couldn't go to work anymore, couldn't attend my usual social functions, couldn't even talk to people. It was like I became a hermit! I think because our loved ones often don't appear as ill as what they are. Sometimes we are the only ones who know how much they are suffering inside, or how bad their voices are, or how close they are to harming themselves.

Unless your life has been touched by mental illness, you often dont understand. I found talking to other carers was so helpful. It felt like a weight had been taken off my shoulders just to have someone else who knew what I was going through. Please take care of yourself too Daisy!

I firmly believe in peer support having that lived experience is vital. Talking to someone that understands and who has been through a similar experience does help. Educating yourself as well about the illness is empowering for the carer and assist them make better choices for themselves and their loved one when they are not able to. Getting as much support as possible also keeps carers resilient, being able to put their hand up when compassion fatique is knocking. There are many organisations that support carers - Mind Australia runs carer support programs - including respite, carer education, peer support, carer counselling and short term outreach for carers loved ones. Take care 🙂

What annoys me is that if it were cancer or some other physical illness, people would be full of sympathy and suggestions. Unfortunately there is still stigma in the area of mental health. The more people who are brave enough to speak out about it, the sooner we will get rid of the stigma. I do think a lot of the problem though, is based on fear and ignorance. Which is why we need to speak out more. Today's society is in urgent need of education re mental health. Ou politicians aren't doing nearly enough to impplement this.

Yes Jo, stigma is such a big issue. I think things are getting a little better but we have such a long way to go. It helps when people, especially high profile ones, speak out about mental illness. In the meantime I guess we all need to support each other.

Hi @Daisy , @Rk , @Harriet @3forme @Hope @Jo & @ivana

I thought I woud let you all know that tomorrow night (Tues 20th), we will be running a topic about respite.

I would love for you all to attend, whether it be to ask questions or if you have your own experiences with respite that you'd like to share.

It starts at 7pm AEDT.

You can find the discussion here

Hope to see you there