Understanding the feelings of helplessness that can come with caring for someone during a mental health crisis has equipped Anne Jenkins with a unique perspective that allows her to support people in similar situations.

As a Lived Experience Workforce Team Leader at West Moreton Health, Ms Jenkins works closely alongside mental health professionals to support consumers during their recovery.

She does this through program delivery, education, advocacy, and importantly, through telling her own story.

Ms Jenkins joined West Moreton Health in 2019 after her own experience with mental health and navigating the health system.

“I have cared for a family member who faced persistent chronic mental illness involving numerous acute mental health hospital admissions,” Ms Jenkins said.

“My story as a carer meant I was studying and working full-time in a stressful position where I was required to travel for work, all while balancing it with my role as carer.”

As a carer, Ms Jenkins said she attended regular medical appointments, advocated for her relative and made legal decisions on their behalf, and provided financial and emotional support.

“The first time they were admitted to the acute mental health unit, they were so unwell that I wasn’t allowed to visit. That was an important moment for me as a carer, because it was the first time I felt a sense of helplessness.”

Ms Jenkins said she began to feel increasingly overwhelmed and isolated, which affected her own mental health.

“I thought I could manage and didn’t ask for help as believed this meant I had failed as a carer,” she said.

The turning point was a discussion with her manager, who had sought out Ms Jenkins to ask those crucial words: Are you OK?

“I have never forgotten the impact this manager had on me … her empathy and encouragement to get the support I needed, including carer assistance and support for my own mental health,” Ms Jenkins said.

Ms Jenkins said she was inspired to join West Moreton Health’s Lived Experience Workforce to help shape and improve mental health services by drawing on her own experience.

“In sharing my story, I hope it may resonate with others in a similar position, encourage others to reach out for help and change people’s perceptions about mental health recovery.”

Ms Jenkins manages West Moreton’s team of six Peer Support workers, who work alongside doctors, nurses, allied health and Independent Patient Rights Advisors to support consumers in their treatment and recovery.

She said Peer Support workers serve as positive role models for consumers and staff, offering one-on-one and group support, education, advocacy and care planning.

An important part of the job includes campaigning to reduce the stigma that can surround mental health issues.

“Peer support is based on shared personal experience and empathy and fosters hope that recovery is possible for everyone,” Ms Jenkins said.

 

October is National Mental Health Month, and a chance for everyone to consider their mental health and wellbeing. The week also gives us the opportunity to understand the importance of mental health in our everyday lives and to seek help when needed.

This year’s theme is ‘Take time – for mental health’. 

Anyone who needs advice about connecting with mental health services or requires support themselves is encouraged to call 1300 MH CALL (1300 64 22 55) at any time (24/7). If you or someone you know is experiencing an emergency, call 000.

Other services available to the West Moreton community are: 

• Lifeline (13 11 14) provides free, 24-hour telephone crisis support and suicide prevention services 
• BeyondBlue (1300 224 636) provides information and support via call, email or online chat 

• Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) provides 24-hour telephone and online counselling to people who are affected by suicide 
• Headspace (3280 7900) youth mental health service for people aged 12-25. Face to face, online or telephone support is available.