// Online Event // Our rights as mental health carers - with Mental Health Carers NSW // Tues, Oct 27th 7-8.30pm AEDT

[Shaz51]

It is challenging to hear he will no longer accept any support Is he open to another type of support at all?---- it is where it is hard @JH_MHCN , @Former-Member , especially in rural areas in far north queensland 

I have done lots of research on how to help and to encourage 

and being on the sane forum has helped me lots @Former-Member , @greenpea , @Anastasia , @Schitzo , @eth , @Faith-and-Hope , @Appleblossom , @Determined , just to name a few members xxx

[Former-Member]

@Anastasia Yes gaslighting is very challenging due to all of that cognitive dissonance our noggens get tired of It sounds like you have a lot of awareness and I am so glad to hear your community on the forums has supported you 

[Former-Member]

A wonderful bunch of members! @Shaz51 You also make me really think about the importance of digital and tele health. I do not live in a rural area. Of course, pros and cons to every nook of the world. But yes, lack of accessibility to services is a challenge for carers.

[Former-Member]

@Shaz51 @JH_MHCN @Anastasia @Schitzo @Former-Member Let's move on to Question 3!

If you’re a carer yourself, what is your knowledge of the rights available to you?

[Shaz51]

It is important to feel that dilemma and remember that to really help a person change means helping them change themselves, or else they haven't mastered it. So even if its hard not to advise and even nag sometimes, with the best intent, recall a little space can allow a lot of growth.

yes thank you @JH_MHCN , i agree , try not to overdo it though , bit by bit , day by day xx @Former-Member 

[Anastasia]

He is a very lucky Mr Shaz, you are a wonderful carer @Shaz51 x I can't imagine being the only support.

I'm lucky my boy has a support worker twice a week to keep him company. That had made a world of difference

[JH_MHCN]

Encouraging people to engage, building consent, is a very important and neglected part of the system. If we can get people up to the start, they have an excellent chance of doing well. But if they are traumatised and disappointed and dis-empowered and reject support and actively undermine it, there is a strong chance of a bad outcome. Too often untrained carers find themselves in this role, and while heroism and grit IS an alternative to an adequate system; whether you have a carer is still just luck.

[Shaz51]

If you’re a carer yourself, what is your knowledge of the rights available to you?

Interesting @Former-Member , @JH_MHCN 

I have become a carer for my elderly mum who is 89  and I am not sure of all my rights as a carer 

and with my husband , he says I am not his carer , but his wife 

[Anastasia]

Limited knowledge @Former-Member 

I haven't felt I've had the need to investigate. The earlier hospital example is my most challenging to date. My boy is 20 so perhaps I've ignorantly home along not believing I really have any unless he's been happy to include me with info/appointments. This session is very insightful and I will definitely become more well read around the topic @JH_MHCN @Shaz51 @Schitzo 

[Shaz51]

I'm lucky my boy has a support worker twice a week to keep him company. That had made a world of difference, --- ohhh yesss @Anastasia ,sooo glad my friend xxx