Caring for a loved one experiencing mental illness can be difficult and straining.
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A number of programs help carers navigate the mental health system and provide emotional and practical support.
But, a free University of Wollongong program is going further by assisting carers to build stronger and healthier relationships with others, particularly the person they provide support too.
Hanna Akkawy, the leader of the Wollongong ‘Me and My Relationships’ program, said many carers are left exhausted from their caring role and find communicating with their loved one increasingly difficult, with many left wondering what else they can do.
‘’It is a real test of the relationship, as new boundaries and expectations are navigated. Carers often report a sense of grief over the loss of their past relationship with their loved ones,’’ Miss Akkawy said.
‘’They are seeking strategies to assist in strengthening their new relationship and managing frustrations with such changes in their relationship.’’
‘Me and My Relationships’ co-author Elly Bailey said the group program assists carers in learning strategies and skills to work towards improving relationships.
‘’Me and My Relationships is ideal for carers who want skills to improve the relationship with their loved one and who are prepared to look at themselves and their own personal barriers to this,’’ she said.
‘’Families report that they feel helpless to assist their loved ones. The education and training in this program offers family members a new sense of hope, understanding and connection.’’
Miss Bailey said ‘Me and My Relationship’ programs have successfully run over the past two years.
A recent graduate of the program said, ‘’I left the program with the ability to be more assertive, my self-care has improved, and I feel calmer and more confident in my relationship with my loved one.’’
This year’s program will see three groups, two at the UOW and one at ARAFMI Illawarra, start the 12-week program on Monday, September 12.
Interested carers can register for the free program by emailing meandmyrelationships@gmail.com, phoning 4221 5605 (for UOW groups) or 4254 1699 (ARAFMI).