It is estimated that carers of someone with a mental illness spend on average 104 hours per week in the caring role*
There are 2.7 million unpaid carers in Australia*
Carers may be husbands, wives, children, siblings, partners, flatmates, parents or close friends #
1 in 9 Australians or 11.9% of the population have an unpaid caring role*
The experience of mental illness affects not only the individual but also those concerned for their welfare. The impact on others will vary according to the severity, course and outcomes of the illness, as well as the life circumstances of individuals and their families and friends ^
We are carers and we are important. If we don’t look after ourselves, how can we look after anyone else?
* Statisitic from Carers Australia # From – Beyond Blue ^ From – Mental Health, Drugs & Regions Division of the State Government Department of Health, Victoria, Australia
