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Who is a Carer and what does “caring” look like?

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I am no longer surprised when tears come to the eyes of an unpaid “carer” upon recognition of them as such; affirmation of their hardship, exhaustion, constant care and vigilance is not an experience they have shared in before. Caring for a loved one with mental ill health or challenges is diverse and ever changing, situated within a world where recognition is often silenced by the strength of existing stigma. When asking people if they identify as a carer in mental health, a lot of people will say no, equating the recognition of being one as measured by the governmental allocation of supportive payments. I identify as a Carer, Service User and a Mental Health Workforce Member. I have always been as open as I safely can be in relation to those identities. Today I choose to highlight the diversity of people who are largely unpaid, under recognised and often unvalued in their caring roles. #ICanLookLikeACarer is a great initiative by Tandem Carer Support to acknowledge and celebrate the habitually unseen human diversity in mental health caring. My husband and my sons look like carers, just as many other husbands and sons do. Like many of them, I doubt my husband or sons truly see or value themselves as carers. Why would they? Our community has a tradition of not valuing even the most stereotypical “accepted” female carer, let alone seeing, hearing and valuing anyone who does not fit that rigid, outdated typecast. “Caring” for me has looked so different over the years, but upon writing this it is a surprising realisation that out of the 30 years my husband has known me, 22 years of those have been taken up in him playing some type of caring role. I don’t think my boys will ever remember a time prior to my ill mental health.  That’s f…ing huge.  Prior to a late adult diagnosis of Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I cycled in and out of depression, post-natal depression and just being born wrong. I can recognise their love and care for me has not always been in a context of needing to be looked after, but they certainly had a wife and mum who knew not than what she now knows; that within my mental health difference there is a powerful opportunity to be seized and celebrated, not pathologized, seen as weak with the need for a quick and covert medication fix to quieten my frenzied brain. There are loads of life lessons from those days; every time I hear the word “parentification” my little heart skips a beat. But I can also say, hand on heart, that their care of and for me and I of them, has enabled us to all seize the under recognised strengths and greatest learnings from our time navigating mental ill health together. They gave me the ultimate gift of safety to learn, experiment and find out who I truly am, with passion, patience and (sometimes) advice I was not wanting to hear. Sometimes I still feel really unwell. At those times a hope for a lighter and happier life for my family propels the contemplation of death. At those times I talk to my husband, he acknowledges my pain and together we agree that this time will pass, with the help of strategies, body identical hormones and medication we have tried, tested, re-tried and retested over the years. We accept that there are bad days and maybe even a bad week. We know other people are without those who care for them and feel grateful to keep living our bent, scarred and beautiful family life together. That is what care looks like for me; for us. Today I recognise and thank them, alongside the multitude of carers who are not traditionally seen, acknowledged or supported as such. I see you and acknowledge all the care you give.

A Day in the Life of Sushi our Senior Peer Worker

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As a Senior Peer Worker at A Path To Follow, every day is a new adventure. My role combines supporting young people, collaborating with my team, and managing the complexities of peer work within community and related services. Many people often ask what my role involves, so I thought I’d give you a glimpse into a typical day in my life as a Senior Peer Worker! Morning Routine and Preparation My day usually kicks off with a strong protein shake—I’m not a coffee person. Before diving into work, I take time for myself by hitting the gym and lifting weights. It helps me feel energised, positive, and ready to tackle the day ahead. After my workout, I spend a few minutes reviewing my calendar and emails and setting my priorities. Today’s agenda includes a team meeting, check-ins with my peers, handling new referrals, and several appointments with young people. It’s a busy day, but I always carve out some downtime between meetings because self-care is crucial in mental health work.   Team Meeting and Support The day officially starts with a one-on-one meeting with my manager and the Founding Director of A Path To Follow, Kirstie. We check in with each other and then dive into discussing caseloads. This time is invaluable as we debrief on our current projects, address challenges, and ensure we’re aligned. Knowing where we both stand helps us work harmoniously and ensures our peers within the service feel heard and supported. Mid-morning our team meeting starts where I take on a leadership role, guiding our workforce peers, offering insights from my lived experience, and providing practical support. Today, we’re discussing caseload management and sharing strategies on best supporting our younger peers. These meetings also allow us to connect as a team, learn from each other’s experiences, and build stronger bonds. I wrap up the meeting with a discussion on self-care and debriefing, emphasising the importance of prioritising our mental health. I couldn’t do what I do without our incredible team! Youth Peer Support Group One of my favourite parts of the job is creating safe and inclusive community spaces for young people. Today, my co-worker and I are launching our first youth peer support group! We’ve organised activities to engage the young people in an informal, non-clinical environment, building trust and creating a fun way for them to connect. These sessions are about more than just activities; they’re about establishing relationships in a space where young people feel seen, heard, and supported. Peer Support Work with Young People The afternoon is dedicated to one-on-one sessions with young people. Each session is different – sometimes we’re having dinner at the office; other times, we’re out bowling or playing basketball. Today, I’m working with a young person struggling with anxiety. We discuss grounding techniques, and I share some strategies that helped me through similar challenges. My role isn’t to be a therapist but to walk alongside them, offering hope and practical support through my lived experience. It’s about creating a safe space where young people know they have someone in their corner, no matter what. Wrapping Up and Reflecting As the day winds down, I update my notes, send follow-up emails, and check in with my team members to ensure they feel supported. Pulse check-ins are a key part of my role—they allow me to connect with my workforce peers, offer guidance, and ensure they feel safe and heard. Before logging off, I reflect on the day’s wins and challenges. Working in peer support is both a privilege and a responsibility; each day brings a renewed sense of purpose. I wrap up by touching base with Kirstie about any outstanding tasks and close my laptop, feeling fulfilled and ready to relax with Beau.   Being a Senior Peer Worker is about connection, support, and empowerment. It’s a challenging yet incredibly rewarding role that reminds me daily of the power of lived experience and peer support in transforming lives. 

Unlocking Confidence: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

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Are you facing a big challenge and feeling overwhelmed? You might have heard the advice: “Be more confident.” But what does that mean? Confidence is the blend of self-esteem—believing you’re valuable and capable—and optimism about your abilities. It’s about turning those positive thoughts into courageous actions. So, where does confidence come from? 1. Inherent Factors: Your genetics and brain chemistry can influence your baseline confidence. 2. Environmental Influences: How you’re treated and social pressures affect your self-view. 3. Personal Choices: How you respond to challenges, the risks you take, and how you think about setbacks play a significant role.   While you can’t fully control all these factors, you can cultivate confidence through practical steps: Tip 1: Quick Confidence Boosts – Visualise your success when starting a tough task. – Listen to powerful music or adopt a strong pose to boost your feelings of power. – Give yourself a motivating pep talk. Tip 2: Embrace a Growth Mindset – Believe your abilities can improve with effort and practice. – See challenges as opportunities to learn rather than threats to your self-worth. – Neuroscience backs this up: practising skills builds stronger brain connections and leads to greater success. Tip 3: Embrace Failure – Understand that failure is a natural part of growth. – Learn from failures and keep trying. Those who persist and adapt are better at handling future setbacks. Remember, confidence is about taking on challenges with a positive mindset and learning from every experience. Give yourself grace, stay motivated, and know that every step, whether it leads to success or failure, brings you closer to growth. Stand tall, embrace the journey, and let your confidence shine! 

Sporting Peer Program Celebrates Years of Enriching Young Athletes’ Lives

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Our Sporting Peer Program has been making waves and achieving remarkable outcomes for several years now. This initiative, designed to integrate A Path To Follow’s peer support model into sporting and recreational settings, has proven to be a game-changer in enhancing the well-being of young athletes. What Is the Sporting Peer Program? Since its inception, the Sporting Peer Program has focused on enriching the lives of young sportspeople by embedding peer support into their athletic experiences. The program targets three essential areas: 1. Strengthening Community Connection and Mental Wellbeing: The program has successfully fostered a sense of community among young athletes, contributing to their mental health and resilience. By addressing potential challenges before they escalate, the program helps create a supportive environment that promotes mental well-being. 2. Boosting Skill Development and Confidence: Participants in the Sporting Peer Program have benefited from enhanced confidence and leadership skills. Through ongoing peer support and mentorship, young athletes develop crucial abilities that not only improve their performance but also aid in their personal growth and life skills. 3. Establishing a Sustainable Coaching Model: One of the program’s core achievements has been the development and maintenance of a sustainable coaching model. By equipping coaches with the tools and strategies to incorporate peer support into their practices, the program ensures that the benefits are long-lasting and integrated into the sporting culture. How It Works Over the years, the Sporting Peer Program has seamlessly integrated peer support into existing sports and recreational activities. This integration has created a consistent, supportive framework for young athletes, enhancing their overall experience and providing them with valuable resources. The Impact The impact of the Sporting Peer Program has been profound. By focusing on community building, skill development, and created a more resilient and confident generation of athletes. The positive feedback from participants and coaches alike underscores the program’s success and its significance in promoting mental health and well-being. By Kirstie Edwards

What’s the Difference? Mental Health Professionals Explained

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Navigating mental health support can be overwhelming. Many start with their GP, who can create a mental health care plan and refer you to a Psychologist. However, finding the right support might require additional effort. At A Path To Follow, we guide you through understanding various mental health professions to help you make informed decisions. Here’s a brief overview of the key roles:   Psychologist 🧠 Psychologists assess and provide therapy for mental health issues. They are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and must complete at least 6 years of training. They focus on talking therapy and don’t usually extend beyond session-based interactions. Psychiatrist 🩺 Psychiatrists are medical doctors with additional training in Psychiatry. They can manage medication and complex cases. They often work with Psychologists as part of a care team. Social Worker 🌍 Social Workers provide counselling and help with advocacy and service coordination. They are not regulated in Australia, but the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) sets standards. Verify if your Social Worker is AASW-eligible. Mental Health Social Worker 💬 Mental Health Social Workers have additional qualifications and can assess and diagnose mental health issues. They are accredited through AASW. Counsellor 💡 Counsellors enhance mental health through talking therapy. While registration is not mandatory, postgraduate qualifications and membership with organisations like PACFA are recommended. Youth Worker 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Youth Workers support young people with practical needs and service connections. They often hold diplomas and may be registered with the Youth Workers Association. Hypnotist 🌀 Hypnotherapy involves inducing a trance to address issues like smoking cessation. Check if your Hypnotherapist is registered with the Hypnotherapy Council of Australia. Mental Health Nurse 🩺 Mental Health Nurses are registered nurses with specialised training in mental health, working in various settings to manage comprehensive care. Mental Health Peer Worker or Mentor 💬 Peer Workers use their personal mental health experiences to support others. While not regulated, reputable organisations ensure proper training and supervision.   We hope this guide helps you understand different mental health professions and choose the right support. Click here to make a time with A Path To Follow to help assistant you with finding a reputable mental health specialist. By Kirstie Edwards Stay informed! Sign up for our newsletter at http://eepurl.com/iPwnew

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