Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Get as much information as you can about the illness through websites, forums and community mental health support groups.
  • Look after yourself by setting time aside to pursue activities that you enjoy and spend time with loved ones who are not affected by the situation.
  • Be aware of your own safety when caring for someone with a severe mental illness. If you ever feel threatened or unsafe, it is important that you remove yourself (and any children) from danger straight away.
  • Call the SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263) for details of mental health support groups and other mental health services for family carers in your local area. 
  • Contact Centrelink on 13 27 17 or Carelink on 1800 052 222 to find out about government benefits and services for family carers as well as for people experiencing mental illness.
  • Call Carers Australia on 1800 242 636 to get details of local carers associations and their services

Give feedback about this page

More information

Content disclaimer

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 18-09-2015