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    Supporting family

    Supporting family can be really tough, but can also be really rewarding. If you are looking after a family member, remember to take care of yourself too.

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    Ask ReachOut

    Have questions? Get anonymous, professionally backed answers to your questions, sourced from ReachOut articles and resources. Just Ask ReachOut.
    are you taking on caring responsibilities

    Are you taking on caring responsibilities?

    If you’re young and helping to look after someone you care about, you might qualify as a ‘young carer’. Take a look at our checklist to see if you fit the bill.
    resources to support young carers

    Resources to support young carers

    Helping to look after a friend or family member is a big responsibility and it’s important that you get the support you need. We've put together a list of services and resources that aim to help young carers.
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    Looking after yourself when caring for someone else

    Looking after yourself is a really important part of caring for someone else. Here are a few tips to make sure you’re looking out for number one, as well as the person you’re helping out.
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    Personal story: sisterly support through a tough time

    While it's always hard for someone with a serious illness, it can be just as hard for those who love them. One girl shares her experiences of helping her sick sister.
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    My parent has a mental illness

    Whether your parent has been diagnosed with a mental illness, or you think they have a mental health condition, it’s normal to have conflicted feelings about it.
    Mothering mum

    Mothering Mum

    This young person had no choice but to help her mother battle schizo-affective disorder. This is the story of how a mother and daughter learnt not to go it alone.
    Girl walking away on sidewalk

    What to do when someone doesn’t want help

    You can feel a bit lost when someone close to you needs help but doesn’t want to accept it.

    Related topics

    Helping friends Self-care Families
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          We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

          We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

          ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

                Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

                We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

                We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

                ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

                © ReachOut Australia2025

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