Carer Support
Carer Support Programs
At MIFSA we understand that when a person experiences a mental illness they are not the only ones affected by the change in behaviours, the symptoms and the 'diagnosis'. Families and friends need information and support too.
The Carer Support peer to peer education programs give options to the person experiencing mental illness and to their families and friends. The programs use research evidence and the first hand knowledge of facilitators who share their experiences and wisdom as carers. There's nothing more powerful than hearing about the impact of mental illness "from those who have lived it".
We offer various options for individuals who are supporting people living with a mental illness, as well as for the person themselves. We have a program for families, a Drug and Alcohol and Mental Illness program, a program for couples in metropolitan Adelaide and family programs in rural areas.
The Assisting Families program will help you care effectively for yourself, the person living with mental illness and your family. The Carer Support facilitators will tailor the program to the needs of the participants while ensuring that the 8 week consecutive course covers the issues facing families as they manage the impact of mental illness on their lives.
Issues covered are selected from the following topics:
- The concepts of Mental Health and Mental Illness
- Factors involved in the development of Mental Illness
- Understanding Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Depression, Anxiety and Bipolar Disorder
- The impact of stigma and actions to reduce its effects on people with a mental illness and on carers
- Assisting with grief and loss
- Understanding the possible motivations behind difficult behaviours
- Managing triggers and putting in place early intervention ‘action plans’
- Understanding your rights under the Mental Health Act and identifying services
- Understanding the importance of balance in caring for yourself
The ‘Drug and Alcohol and Mental Illness’ program is for families and carers of a person with coexisting drug and/or alcohol issues and mental illness. From the program you will learn skills in harm reduction, managing agitation and aggression, recognising symptoms of mental illness, treatment and recovery. The Drug and Alcohol and Mental Illness program is run over 4 consecutive weeks by experienced Carer Support Facilitators.
Topics include:
- Various mental illness diagnoses such as Drug-Induced Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Depression, Anxiety and Bipolar Disorder
- Treatment and recovery for the family and the person with coexisting drug and/or alcohol issues and mental illness
- Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Worry and Grief plus Effective Communication
- Marijuana (Cannabis), Ecstasy, Heroin, Amphetamines (Speed) and Alcohol
Forums will also be held with presentations by professionals and service providers. Subjects include the Mental Health Act 2009, the Justice System, Crisis Teams and Drug & Alcohol Services (DASSA).
The ‘Partner’ program is for couples wanting to work through the stress caused by mental illness and to maintain, strengthen or restore their relationship. Over 4 weeks the person living with mental illness and their partner work together through the issues and plan for the future.
Subjects discussed include:
- The development of mental illness
- Identifying and recognizing the triggers of poor mental health
- Specific diagnoses e.g. Depression, Anxiety and Psychotic illnesses
- Understanding how the other’ feels and copes and how to be supportive
- What services can support you as a couple/family
All three programs have four follow-up sessions over the next twelve months
with guest speakers and further education support.
Download for Booking Form and all Upcoming Programs
Download Brochure
For one on one support for families and further information about the Carer Support Programs please telephone MIFSA on 8378 4100
and ask for the Carer Support Program or email - carersupport@mifsa.org
