Staff profile - WSLHD Family and Carer Mental Health Program

The physical health issues associated with COVID-19 are well known, however, mental health issues such as loneliness and isolation, anxiety and fear of the disease itself, have become increasingly common.

For carers of people with mental health issues, the social restrictions related to COVID-19, have not only impacted those they care for, but also their own mental health.

Since COVID-19 began, Western Sydney Local Health District's (WSLHD) Family and Carer Mental Health Program has seen a significant increase in the number of carers using their service.

The WSLHD Mental Health Service program, located at Cumberland Hospital, has been providing free mental health support to carers for the past nine years.

Program coordinator Cathy Kearney, said, we recognised that during this difficult time, many people had to observe restrictions which affected their mental health and wellbeing.

'COVID-19-related restrictions not only impacted mental health patients, but also their carers,' Ms Kearney said.

Understanding the concerns of carers, the WSLHD Adolescent Mental Health Team, developed 'WSLHD COVID-19 Let's Talk' - a free mental health phone service for carers.

'Older carers, in particular, who don't have workforce commitments, often felt isolated before COVID-19, but the restrictions that came as part of the government's COVID's response, added another layer of isolation,' said Ms Kearney. 

As a full-time carer for her son, who suffers from mental illness, Mary faced considerable stress when COVID-19 began.

Isolation and lack of opportunities to mix with family and friends during the early stages of restrictions, as well as the stress of her son's hospitalisation due to his disorder, led Mary to contact the WSLHD Family and Carer Mental Health Program.

'They helped us through the isolation lockdown and provided support on how to manage my son's regular doctors' appointments,' Mary said.

In addition, telehealth appointments with her son's case manager, replaced face-to-face visits, which ensured vital treatment was continued.

For the Non-English Speaking Carer community, cancellation of a number of bilingual support group meetings across the area, led to remote support offered to carers by phone. This initiative allowed group leaders to keep in touch with individual members and continue to provide much-needed support.