Did you know there are an estimated seven million unpaid carers in the UK, 13% of whom support people with mental health conditions?
These carers can provide vital insight into the treatment and condition of those they care for. Mandy from Ormskirk is sharing her story of being supported as a carer by our Early Intervention Service.
Mandy said:
“Where does being a mum and being a Carer start and end, as far as I’m concerned, they are one and the same?”
Lots of unpaid carers don’t recognise themselves as such but at the Trust we are recognised by the Carers Trust’s Triangle of Care Partnership, which builds an alliance between unpaid carers, those receiving care, and our mental health professionals.
Mandy explains:
“My son Tom is 21, he joined the army as a teenager. At 19, he became very unwell and had to come home. It was a scary time. Very quickly he was referred for mental health support and diagnosed with Psychotic Disorder.”
As well as medication Tom and Mandy attended dedicated Family Therapy sessions, which meant Mandy was involved in helping to shape Tom’s care plan.
Mandy added:
“It was quick that we got the support, it really helped. I’ve been involved from the start. It was a great support for me because at times back then I was terrified of how he could be with his anger. It’s really helped with his recovery journey for me to be involved with family therapy and today he’s doing well.
Our Family Therapist Ian has really helped me to understand my role as a carer on top of being Tom’s mum. Last summer Tom was diagnosed with autism at 20. It made things make a bit more sense why he struggled in the army, and why he would exhibit some of the behaviour he did.
There were times I was terrified of how unwell he was with the psychosis but with support and the right medication he’s in a much better place, and with the diagnosis, it’s helpful for me to understand things. I support him at home, he’s not great socially so I help him with little tasks like the washing machine to help him to become more independent. The family therapy is an ongoing support, and the goal is to get him back into some kind of work. I have to say he’s become a golden child and is recovering well.”
At the Trust we welcome feedback from carers in our Friends, Family and Carer’s survey.
