An October 9th
news release from SANE Australia:
SANE Australia today launches a new DVD that offers first-hand insight on dealing with mental illness in your family.
For Jo Buchanan, her family have been her greatest teachers. From helping her sister following a diagnosis of schizophrenia to becoming a carer for her son Miles when he discovered he had bipolar disorder, Jo has discovered many things.
One of the main things she learnt and is keen to pass on to others is the importance of learning how to cope.
‘When my sister first showed signs of schizophrenia, I had no idea what was happening as I had to deal with it alone. When Miles became unwell, I was able to recognise the symptoms, which meant I could find help from the right people immediately,’ Jo said.
‘Education and information about mental illness are so helpful when it comes to working out how to cope with the many changes it brings in a family’s life.’
Jo and Miles have joined others in sharing their experiences on a 30-minute DVD produced by SANE Australia in partnership with highly regarded production company RealTime Health.
The DVD is part of a kit, which includes the SANE Guide to Families ¬– offering practical advice on how to cope with the impact mental illness can have on a family. On the DVD, Jo talks about the challenges she’s faced as a carer and the many ways they have helped her to grow.
‘Through my experience as a carer, I have accessed strengths I didn’t know existed; strengths developed through surviving circumstances for which I was totally unprepared and untrained. I have learned about courage, hope, faith and humility,’ she said.
SANE Australia’s Paul Morgan says the Families DVD and guide are invaluable tools in helping families learn more about mental illness from people with first-hand experience.
‘Around one in five Australians will experience a mental illness at some time, and for every one of those there will be a ‘ripple effect’ on family and friends. Hearing from people who deal with mental illness on a daily basis can help those in similar situations,’ Dr Morgan said.
Tips from the DVD kit include:
- Coming to terms with caring for someone with a mental illness
- Finding support options for the whole family
The Families and Mental Illness DVD Kit is available from SANE Australia, as well as many other resources on mental illness. Visit www.sane.org or phone the SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).
To arrange an interview with Paul Morgan or Jo Buchanan, contact Cathy Heycock on 03) 9682 5933 or 0414 427 291.
Thanks go to Chris Summerville for bringing this news release to my attention.
An October 9th news release from SANE Australia:
