Is someone you care for feeling sad, worried or unwell?

It is normal to feel sad with the ups and downs that happen in life. But if the person you care for has low wellbeing over a longer period, has difficulty managing their daily life, has sudden changes of mood or if they talk about hurting themselves, then it is important to get them help, and support for yourself.

To find other information on the signs that the person you care for may be struggling, view the following resource – ‘Supporting Someone through a Mental Health Crisis.’

What are my rights as carer?

You should expect to enjoy the following rights:

• Having your culture recognised and receiving culturally safe support where you feel comfortable and understood. 
• Receiving respect for your culture and identity. 
• Having your questions clearly answered.
• Assistance to speak to a person with a similar background, for example someone who is male or female, or who speaks your language. 
• Translation and interpreting:
  • You can ask for an interpreter and have materials translated in your own language for the benefit of everyone, even if you or anyone else in your family has knowledge of English.
• Privacy and confidentiality:
  • You have a right to privacy and confidentiality. The doctor cannot share anything you have shared about the person you care for without your permission to them or to anyone.
  • The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) also provides you privacy and confidentiality.

The person you care for has a right to privacy and confidentiality. This means you might not receive information from health professionals about the person you care for. 

It may be helpful for the person you care for to complete a Designated Carer form with you so that doctors have their permission to speak to you about their treatment and medication – https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/legislation/Documents/nh606713a.pdf