{"id":21268,"date":"2024-05-13T08:59:49","date_gmt":"2024-05-13T08:59:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newlifecharity.co.uk\/?p=21268"},"modified":"2024-05-14T08:27:48","modified_gmt":"2024-05-14T08:27:48","slug":"newlife-nurses-here-to-help-support-your-mental-health-too","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newlifecharity.co.uk\/newlife-nurses-here-to-help-support-your-mental-health-too\/","title":{"rendered":"Newlife Nurses – here to help support your mental health too"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from May 13-19, and is aimed at helping to start conversations about people\u2019s mental health, as well urging people to access the information, care and support they need.<\/p>\n

At Newlife this is something the charity has been passionate about for a long time through their Nurse Helpline, with nurses ready to lend a listening ear, without any judgement. Consultant Nurse, Karen Dobson, has been with Newlife for 22 years and knows how hard families with disabled children can find everyday life as they juggle the demands of their child, or children\u2019s disabilities, fighting for the services they need, alongside all the other elements of life, which can often lead to them feeling overwhelmed.<\/p>\n

Karen said: \u201cAll the nurses here know how important it is that families with disabled children have access to the support they need \u2013 and that doesn\u2019t just mean practical information about equipment, caring for a child\u2019s unique needs, or helping with benefits, but also how the parent and carer is feeling, how they are coping. The helpline is really here for anything they may need, and we are always happy to help in any way we can.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe helpline is much more than people think. Parents and carers can call to talk to us about their needs as well as their children\u2019s. It can be about something specific, or it can be just to talk to someone who knows what they are going through, and they can take their time \u2013 we don\u2019t put limits on how long calls last or what is discussed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe talk to parents who are struggling with their own mental health issues, as well as their child\u2019s disability. We speak to many who have no one else to talk to, or they don\u2019t feel like they can talk honestly with their friends and family, and because of this their mental health has suffered and they are overwhelmed. But it doesn\u2019t have to get that far before you call us.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes talking things over with someone on the phone is easier than a face-to-face meeting. People can say exactly what\u2019s on their mind, what\u2019s really concerning them, without any judgment. It can help clarify things in their own minds, or even help them see things from a different perspective.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe also find parents and carers are often so caught up in caring for their children that they forget about themselves until they reach breaking point. We can help them navigate to find the help and support they need, which is something they don\u2019t always know how to do, especially when they are overwhelmed and in survival mode which can means they aren\u2019t able to look further than the moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne mum has spoken to us a number of times about her own mental health battles and feeling that she\u2019s letting down her children, but we can listen, reassure, and validate her \u2013 that she really is doing a good job. Our approach is very gentle, and callers often say they feel much lighter, there is a real sense of their relief just to have spoken with someone about their worries or their feelings.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe also support callers with children who are now beyond our age remit and those whose children who have sadly passed away; we listen and can signpost to further support if necessary.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe most important thing we can do for those who call us is give them our time \u2013 and the whole team are great problem solvers!\u201d<\/p>\n

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