Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.
NikNikSenior Contributor
For some, the term 'carer' can feel uncomfortable - they are a mother, husband, friend or sibling, whose loved one happens to have a mental illness.
For others, the term 'carer' resonates with them
How does the label of 'carer' sit with you?
Join us from 7pm AEDT to share your opinion.
Want an email reminder on the night? Hit the 'Like' button below.
In response to: Topic Tuesday // Does the label 'Carers' make you feel uncomfortable // Tues 27 March, 7pm AEDT
outlanderSenior Contributor
hi everyone sorry i wasnt able to hang around for this tonight, having a rough time atm but am reading through to see whats been spoken about 
thanks @NikNik for running this
In response to: Topic Tuesday // Does the label 'Carers' make you feel uncomfortable // Tues 27 March, 7pm AEDT
Unknown userMember
In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Does the label 'Carers' make you feel uncomfortable // Tues 27 March, 7pm AEDT
Bella1978Senior Contributor
Big hugs @outlander
In response to: Topic Tuesday // Does the label 'Carers' make you feel uncomfortable // Tues 27 March, 7pm AEDT
Bella1978Senior Contributor
Hi @NikNik and everyone else! Sorry I am so late to join in this conversation - have been at hospital all day with mum. I've just referred myself as mum's carer, not really thinking about it much. But first and foremost I am her daughter. It surprises me that when I am with mum at either doctors or at the hospital people will say how lucky mum is to have such a loving daughter to care for her. But for me it's just a natural thing to do - that is my mum. It does sadden me that there are so many people out there that don't have the support our loved ones do - and I find social workers and even the psychiatrist I liaised with today told me there are so many people out there, especially elderly people 😞
Something I need to work on though is this - friends or new people I meet will ask me if I work and I say 'no', I am a carer for my mum. But in reality that is my full time job. By saying I don't work I am invalidating what I am doing. Definitely something for me to work on.
I also like the term 'supporter' ... I think I may start using that.
Hope everyone is well x
In response to: Topic Tuesday // Does the label 'Carers' make you feel uncomfortable // Tues 27 March, 7pm AEDT
321Casual Contributor
In my situation, I feel like im the glue that is holding everything together for our Marriage and for our beautiful boys. Who god knows has been affected by this illness.
He was once the 'Carer' of our family, the provider , the protector. But now I am constantly the reassuring a grown man throughout his weekly episodes.
In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday // Does the label 'Carers' make you feel uncomfortable // Tues 27 March, 7pm AEDT
Shaz51Senior Contributor
hello and hugs @Bella1978, @321
In response to: Topic Tuesday // Does the label 'Carers' make you feel uncomfortable // Tues 27 March, 7pm AEDT
Bella1978Senior Contributor
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
You’ll soon be able to use one secure login to access all SANE services.
For added security, members are now required to log in with their email address and password - member names are no longer supported for logging in.
If you had a Forums account before 19 May 2026 and haven’t set up your new login yet, you'll be prompted to set up your new secure login when you sign-in.
Fields marked * are required
