SOME RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES FOR THE MIND AND BODY

Camping Vacation Group Holiday Massage Exercise Golfing Tennis Overnight Stays Sporting Events

Hobbies Shopping Reading Art Quiet Time Yoga Education Movies & Shows Individually Tailored Respite

We can help you plan a personal respite experience tailored to suit your individual needs and those of your entire family. It is primarily a carer driven service, meaning it is your choice, based on the needs of you primarily and the person you care for..

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF

Mental Health Carers are usually family members or friends who provide support to children or adults who have a mental illness.

Carers may care for a few hours a week or all day every day. Although it can be difficult, you need to consider your own needs as well as the person you care for. If your health begins to suffer, caring will become more difficult and it will not be easy to continue doing all the things you need to do. You may even be unable to continue caring.

WHY SHOULD I BOTHER?

Caring may make many demands on you. Looking after your own physical and emotional health will keep you going.

"Carers must think of themselves first­- because if they have to give up, there will be no carer."

HOW TO TAKE BETTER CARE OF YOURSELF:

Some general tips on how to take better care of yourself:

GETTING OUT

Try to continue with activities you enjoy. Even though the many demands of caring may make it difficult to manage it is really important that you follow your own interests outside the caring role.Some carers say they feel guiltywhen they leave the house or enjoy an activity without the person they care for. If you are finding it difficult to get out and about, talk to someone about how you are feeling.

ARE YOU FEELING ISOLATED?

It's easy to become isolated when you are a mental health carer. You might be too busy to keep up with friends and family, People may visit you less often, you may be dealing with the stigma associated with mental illness. Sometimes just talking to someone who understands what you are going through can be a great relief and help with the loneliness.

Sharing your experience with someone you trust - family, friends, neighbours, other carers of workers can really help. The Haven Project knows the emotional drain it can be to be a carer and can really listen if you just need to talk. The Haven Project or the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres can put you in touch with other people with similar experiences. When ideas, feelings, concerns, information and problems are shared, the experience of caring can feel less isolating. You can contact The Haven Project on 02 4659 0000

"It is important that you don't feel isolated, especially for those people
who don't have family members to give hope and support."

KEEPING HEALTHY

Try to make sure that you:

• Make time for regular exercise This will make you more energentic and provide a break from your daily activities.
• Have healthy regular meals. It is not always easy to do, but it is important for your long term health.
• Get enough rest and sleep. Tiredness and exhaustion often add to the stress of caring.
• Look after your back if you need to lift or transfer the person you are caring for. Get professional advice on the safest way to lift and all available aids to assist with lifting.
• Talk to your GP about your caring role and the demands it makes on you.

TAKING BREAKS

You cannot care constantly without a break. Even though it is often not easy to so, ask for help. Ask family, friends and respite care services to help you have regular and frequent breaks. The Haven Project  on 02 4659 0000 can help plan and put you in contact with respite arrangements to suit your needs and the needs of the person you care for.

Breaks can be taken in your home, or away from it. They might be for a few hours a day, overnight or longer. It might mean you can get to an exercise class, attend a wedding, catch up with family or friends, even go on a holiday. It can be a regular weekly event or something that only happens once a year.

PLANNING TO LOOK OUT FOR YOURSELF.

Although it can be easier said than done, you need time to yourself every day. It doesn't have to be long - fifteen minutes can do wonders. Try to take some time to just sit, and relax or listen to music that suits you. The people at The Haven Project can help you find that necessary relaxation time...give them a call on 02 4659 0000.

"I now realise that my moods will vary.
There are times when I can cope, feel positive and energetic
and others when I am sad and depressed."

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF CHECKLIST:

• Do I have someone I trust to talk about how I am feeling?
• Am I trying to get some regular exercise?
• Am I trying to get enough rest and sleep?
• Am I trying to get regular meals?
• Do I get a break from caring?
• Have I got some regular times for relaxation?
  
   


"Avoid isolation- foster friendships, by phone if personal contact is unreliable due to 
uncertainty of the caring role.  Keep fit, walk, swim, stress management is important.  
Have a conference with relatives, agree on division of care, 
sharing of responsibilities- be specific on responsibilities. Take a break!"

"WHAT IF I AM NOT COPING?

Most carers will tell you there are times when they feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. If you are feeling this way, talk to someone about it: family, friends, GP or contact your local Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222. For emergency respite care outside business hours, contact the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact the Haven Project by email or phone 024659-0000