Mental Health Matters:

Coping with Caring

Caring for someone with a mental health problem can be a difficult and painful experience. You are helping someone to cope with what are often very strong feelings of eg sadness, fear or self hatred. As a carer you will need help and support as well. Involve as many people as possible in caring . Try not to take on too much. Take time for yourself if you can.

How you can help

Emotional support

• Listen to what your friend/relative has to say, if they are ready to talk.
• Don't tell them what they should do or to pull themselves together.
• Ask questions that help him/her to open up or think more clearly.
• Offer reassurance and encouragement if the person expresses strong emotions - for example - crying or anger.
• Give credit and praise when progress, however small, is made eg the
• tranquilliser dose is cut down or the person manages to go out of the house.
• Try not to be serious all the time.
• Do something you both enjoy or remember better times.
• Show affection or touch if it feels right for both of you.

Practical help

Help with day to day things eg shopping, cleaning, paying bills.
Representing your relative/friend eg in getting social security benefits, the right treatment, proper support in the community etc.
Finding out about local self help groups and encourage him/her to join and gain strength from talking to people who have been through similar experiences. There may be a Carers support group you can join

What to do in difficult situations

Your friend/relative won't accept s/he needs help

This is not unusual. All you can do is listen and talk to them and make suggestions about where help might come from eg the GP, a community mental health service, a self help group etc.

You don't feel your friend/relative is getting the right treatment

If the person is in hospital make an appointment to see the psychiatrist or consultant , ask about the treatment and whether there are any alternatives.

You may like to discuss with someone else beforehand what you plan to say. You can complain to hospital managers, a social worker or to the Mental Health Act Commission.

Users Groups in North Manchester and Withington Hospitals will help represent patients interests. If your relative/friend is not in hospital and you are unhappy about their treatment, see their GP or consultant.

You can complain about a GP to the Family Health Services Authority. To complain about a consultant, write to the Complaints Officer of the Health Authority providing treatment eg North,Central or South Manchester. Patients have the right to change their GP and to see medical records. For more information , contact MIND. If you need someone to represent you, ask the Community Health Council.

You don't feel your friend/relative is getting enough support in the community

Community services for people with mental health problems are thin on the ground. Some are provided by Health Authorities eg community mental health services, psychiatric nurses, some by Council Social Services departments eg Social workers, Day Centres and some by the voluntary groups eg drop-in's, self help groups. Find out what's available in your area and decide what suits your needs. Try to be clear and forceful about pursuing help.

How Mind in Manchester can help.

Contact the Information service on

0161 272 8205

The Information service provides information about mental health services and groups in Manchester over the telephone and in writing via letter, fax and email. The Information service is generally staffed during the daytime. An answer machine is available at all times and we will endeavour to return your call within 48 hours.

Write to us at:

Unit 25,
The Progress Centre,
Charlton Place,
Ardwick Green
Manchester
M12 6HS

Email us at:
info@mind-in-manchester.org.uk