Dear Advisor, I care for my adult daughter who has recently been sectioned and is in hospital. My daughter has been sectioned previously as a young person, however this time she is an adult. She has chosen for minimal information to be communicated to me, which is very difficult to deal with. I know my daughter best, and I feel as though I cannot communicate my views or have an input in her care, and that my voice is not being heard.
It can be extremely difficult when the person you care for has been sectioned and chooses for very little information to be communicated with you. It can be a traumatic and difficult time for the cared for and they may be feeling scared and vulnerable. Having a say over what information is shared, could be a protective measure and not a reflection on their feelings towards you.
As a Family Carer, it can leave you feeling many emotions such as frustration, anger or sadness and it is important to know that these are all valid feelings. You may feel that you know the cared for persons needs the best and feel unable to communicate with the hospital staff to ensure the best care and support for the person you care for. It can be helpful to provide reassurance to your cared for in other ways such as planning when you will visit and providing items that bring comfort to your cared for. You may also feel very unsure about any plans that are put in place for when the cared for person is discharged.
It is important to know that if you feel like your voice is not being heard, even when the cared for has chosen for minimal information to be shared, there are places you can seek support from. Check out this self-advocacy guide for carers. It is also important to know that even if the cared for has chosen for information to not be shared, you can still contact the hospital team and let them know your views so that they can take these into consideration. It may also be useful to support your daughter to advocate for herself and ensure that she is supported to express any needs and concerns.
How can we help?
Sometimes it can help if a professional supports you in having your voice heard and that is where our Advocacy Team can help.
1:1 Support – You may like to contact Suffolk Family Carers SAGES Service. Our SAGES workers offer advice, guidance and emotional support. You can talk in depth about your caring role to an empathetic, non-judgmental listener.
Peer Support – You may also like to attend the Making Time Mental Health Family Carers Support Group. This is an opportunity to connect with others in a similar caring role. The group meets once a month and allows Family Carers to come together to share experiences and ideas. This can be done by taking part in an activity or just sitting and chatting with those that really understand the impact of caring for someone with mental health illness.
Please follow the link below for further details or contact us by email on MH@suffolkfamilycarers.org
Telephone no: 01473 835477
Suffolk Family Carers Workshops
You may also like to attend a workshop facilitated by the Mental Health and Wellbeing Service team. Further details can be found on the Suffolk Family Carers website.
Carers Assessments – you may like to refer to Customer First for a Carers Assessment. A Carer’s Assessment is your chance to let Suffolk County Council know how your caring role affects you physically and emotionally.
This may also help you to recognise your unmet needs with an opportunity to explore solutions on how those needs can be met to better balance your own needs with those of your caring role and take care of your own wellbeing. Please follow the link below for more information or call Customer First on 0808 800 4005.
Additional Support
Wellbeing Suffolk- If you feel your own Mental Health is affected, you can refer yourself to Suffolk Wellbeing for support. They can also offer specialised support with navigating your employment around your role and offer 1-1 appointments as well as a variety of workshops.
Suffolk User Forum – Are an independent user led organisation in East and West Suffolk that focuses on giving mental health services users and their family/parent carers a voice to influence change through mental health advocacy, peer support and user involvement.
