Dear Carer
Posted: 14 Nov 2013, 22:35Dear Carer,
You probably think the world has just collapsed around you.
How could this happen? What has happened? Sarah has just
been admitted to a psychiatric ward, and no-one is talking to
you, or telling you what you need to know. Please remember...
it’s OK to feel sad, it’s OK to feel numb, it’s OK to feel ignorant.
You may feel that somehow this is all your fault. IT’S NOT.
Don’t blame yourself. And remember to look after yourself too.
It’s really important that you get all the information you need.
Ask the psychiatrist, the CPN, the social worker, the support
worker. Find out everything you can about the illness and the
medication. Even if she says she doesn’t want you involved, the
staff should listen to you and give you general information.
Talk to your family and friends. Try to get them to understand
that she hasn’t changed, she just has an illness and both
of you need their support now more than ever. Try not to be
defensive or hesitant. Try to make them understand that it’s
nothing to be ashamed of – get the information and share it.
Don’t stop doing the things you always did. Find out about
mental health carer support services, meet other carers, it can
help you to feel less alone.
Have hope. It can, and will get better.
You probably think the world has just collapsed around you.
How could this happen? What has happened? Sarah has just
been admitted to a psychiatric ward, and no-one is talking to
you, or telling you what you need to know. Please remember...
it’s OK to feel sad, it’s OK to feel numb, it’s OK to feel ignorant.
You may feel that somehow this is all your fault. IT’S NOT.
Don’t blame yourself. And remember to look after yourself too.
It’s really important that you get all the information you need.
Ask the psychiatrist, the CPN, the social worker, the support
worker. Find out everything you can about the illness and the
medication. Even if she says she doesn’t want you involved, the
staff should listen to you and give you general information.
Talk to your family and friends. Try to get them to understand
that she hasn’t changed, she just has an illness and both
of you need their support now more than ever. Try not to be
defensive or hesitant. Try to make them understand that it’s
nothing to be ashamed of – get the information and share it.
Don’t stop doing the things you always did. Find out about
mental health carer support services, meet other carers, it can
help you to feel less alone.
Have hope. It can, and will get better.