Caring for someone shows your love and commitment for the person you care for. It can be rewarding but it can be hard too. 

If you are caring for a relative or friend you may not see your caring role as separate to your relationship to the person you care for. 

But often the time you spend caring is time, that under different circumstances, you would be looking after your own needs.

Support that you may provide:

• Practical, material and financial help.
   
• Assisting with early intervention when signs of relapse are evident.
   
• Support in providing treatment and creating a care plan.
   
• Providing support on a regular basis.
   
• Helping with the taking of medication.
   
• Advocating for the cared for person when they are too ill to represent themselves.
  
   

Support that you may need: 

• Help at home from friends, family and care workers.
   
• Access to respite services so that you can take a break from caring.
   
• Financial help.
   
• Flexible working hours.
   
• Someone to talk to about your role, your needs and the concerns that you may have.
   
• You may also need information about your rights as a carer 

Looking after someone with a mental health problem can be physically exhausting and emotionally stressful. Don’t be afraid to ask for the help and support of as many people as you can. 

“I feel the capacity to care is the thing that gives life it’s deepest significance.” ~ Pablo Casals