Hi,
I’m Lachlan’s mum and was one of his carers/support people when he was unwell. I’ve also had other experiences supporting people with mental ill health.
Having had the lived experience of being a carer led me, like Lachlan, to now work in the field. I’ve been a Carer Peer Worker for over 10 years.
When Lachlan first became unwell there was little support for families/friends. I’m pleased to say that has changed a lot. I would have loved to have someone reach out to me and tell me that all the fear and sadness I was experiencing was normal, especially the first time.
No one signs up to be a mental health carer; it’s a role thrust upon you for which you are largely unprepared. I felt like ‘a deer caught in the headlights’ and my anxiety response was to rush around trying to fix it and speed up recovery as if it were a broken leg or some infection. Over the years, having spoken to hundreds of carers, I realise it’s not that simple. There is however hope and I am passionate about inspiring hope in carers from my own lived experience, to further assist carers to provide the best possible care for their loved ones and themselves.
Susan
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