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For carers and family

Counselling for the carer

There may be instances when you will need counselling in relation to drug or alcohol problems, depression, suicidal behaviour, bereavement or the stress of caring.

If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. Speak to your doctor, your community health centre or your community mental health centre where you can go for counselling – or for immediate help (24-hours a day) contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

If you need counselling specifically for grief or bereavement, you can try contacting Good Grief or the National Association for Loss and Grief (NALAG).

• National Carer Counselling Program (NCCP) (more information)
• Carer support groups (more information)
• Dealing with grief
• Grief counselling
• Further information
• Resources

National Carer Counselling Program (NCCP)

The National Carer Counselling Program provides short-term counselling and emotional support and psychological support services for carers. This aims to help reduce carer stress, improve carer coping skills and facilitate, wherever appropriate, continuation of the carer role. The NCCP is delivered through the Network of Carer Associations in each state and territory who can be contacted on 1800 242 636.

Carer support groups

Carer support groups provide emotional support to carers. They can also be a safe place to talk about feelings such as anger and resentment. Whatever your situation, there’s a support group you can join to meet other carers with similar experiences and to hear how they’ve coped. For information contact 1800 200 422. You can also contact the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 14 50 (for the cost of a local call) if you need assistance in a language other than English. This service will connect you to the 1800 200 422 number and interpret for you.

Dealing with grief

Grief is not like a light switch that we can turn on and off. When your family member dies you may feel a range of emotions, from intense grief and loss to relief and calmness. You may have jumbled thoughts and have difficulty making decisions. You may also wonder what life after caring will be like. If so, it’s important to know that there is no set time for grieving – this is individual. For some it takes a lot longer to feel that the fog is lifting. If so, the following tips may be helpful.

• Talk to someone you trust about how you're feeling and the difficulties you're facing. Don't bottle up your emotions.
• See your doctor – let them know how you're feeling.
• Call 1800 200 422 and ask about the National Carer Counselling Program.
• Look for other people who could support you. Perhaps revisit the residential care staff, other carers at the facility or your carer support group.
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Grief counselling

Often talking to someone you trust about your feelings can help you feel less isolated.

Grief counselling can assist you to:

• understand and express your feelings
• cope with the reaction of others
• adjust to life in the absence of the person who has died, and
• access additional support available within the community.

Further information

Here are two national support organisations with local representation around the country for grief and loss.

• The National Association for Loss and Grief Australia has a range of links to local resources, education and counselling programs.
• The Australian Centre for Grief Education is another independent, non-profit organisation and is the largest provider of grief and bereavement education in Australia, providing counselling services, education courses and support information.

Resources:

You may also be interested in a useful publication titled An Unrecognised Grief. Loss and grief issues for carers: A carer's guide. You can order your copy from Carers Victoria on 1800 242 636.

This page was last updated on: 27 June 2011

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