Looking after a young person with mental illness - 1 July
What Happens Next?
This is a very practical, supportive and informative handbook for
parents, carers and other family members who are looking after and
supporting a teenager or young adult with a serious mental
illness.
Parents and family members regularly feel not only overwhelmed by
their child's situation and its consequences, but frustrated that
information to help them manage whatever comes next is very hard to
find. This makes their journey extra difficult.
What Happens Next? has been co-written by two Wellington parents
who have supported their young adult children through mental health
challenges.
Wendy Lyons found her daughter's illness thrust her, her husband
and her family into intense and traumatic times.
Suddenly left caring for a child whose condition was high risk,
often scary and unpredictable, Wendy couldn't believe the lack of
information available. She linked with a range of other parents and
began to gather their experiences and input for a handbook that
others could use.
Linking up with the experience of Skylight's Tricia Irving Hendry,
and using Skylight's expertise and AXA Hearts in Action funding,
this new handbook is now made available to support, encourage and
inform others in this unique and demanding situation.
What Happens Next is available through Skylight either by phoning
free 0800 299 100 during normal business hours,
or by purchasing online at the Skylight website shop at
www.skylight.org.nz
Skylight supports children, teens and families facing tough times - no matter what the cause - 0800 299 100 website: www.skylight.org.nz
SF - Supporting Families affected by Mental
Illness
SF New Zealand has 21 branches nationwide - committed to providing
the best possible information, support, education and advocacy for
families/ wh?nau/'Aiga with a member experiencing serious mental
illness. Their support workers link up with families facing this
issue, and offer help and encouragement.
website:www.sfnat.org.nz - gives info about how to contact the
branch nearest to you,
or phone (04) 499 7012
NZ depression support website for those who are depressed, and those caring for them - www.depression.org.nz Depression helpline freephone 0800 111 757
Or for young people www.thelowdown.co.nz or text the lowdown team on 5626 or phone Youthline 0800 37 66 33
