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• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Pooja - Interview 23 >> Pooja gets great support from her son who lives with them, but less from her married daughters.

Pooja has cared for her husband for 12 years. He suffers from depression and from other health issues and is very dependent on her.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a sister or brother >> Angela - Interview 15 >> Living in a polygamous family created tension rather than support.

Angela cared for her brother with mental health problems for much of her adult life. Once her brother was cured, she was finally able to get married and have a family, the absence of which had been as source of great pain for her.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for other or more than one relative >> Raye - Interview 30 >> When she returned after two years abroad, her brother hadn't taken on much of the care for their father, their older sister and brother.

Raye grew up with mental health problems in the family. Today, she is the main carer for her father (paranoid schizophrenia), her sister (schizophrenia) and her brother (manic depression). She now feels she needs to let go of some of the responsibilities and focus on her own life.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Anne - Interview 20 >> Anne's friends don't really understand, and she chooses who she talks to, but communicates with God.

Anne has been caring for her husband, who has severe depression, over the last four years. She has recently returned to part time work after having been a full time carer for some time. She believes it should be a requirement that health professionals listen to carers.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a parent >> Elaine - Interview 32 >> She was the sole carer but her aunt called from the USA to support her father (played by an actor).

Elaine was the main carer for her father for the last four years of his life. He suffered from vascular dementia and Elaine feels both he as a patient and she as a carer were let down by the system.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Pooja - Interview 23 >> She says 'Punjabi people don't know what depression is' so they don't want to tell the community about her husband's situation.

Pooja has cared for her husband for 12 years. He suffers from depression and from other health issues and is very dependent on her.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for other or more than one relative >> Guo - Interview 14 >> People fear violence and stay away when they hear Gou's sons have mental health problems.

Guo has been caring for two sons with bi-polar disorder for over twenty years. He doesn't think the current services meet the needs of people with mental health problems.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a parent >> Anton - Interview16 >> Anton's siblings leave most of the care to him.

Anton cares for his 84 year old mother who suffers from dementia. His caring responsibilities together with his own health problems meant he had to take early retirement, but he is very involved in voluntary work.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Anne - Interview 20 >> Anne's feels her role has changed from wife to that of nurse and teacher.

Anne has been caring for her husband, who has severe depression, over the last four years. She has recently returned to part time work after having been a full time carer for some time. She believes it should be a requirement that health professionals listen to carers.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Pooja - Interview 23 >> Much of their family 'shun away', and Pooja feels supported only by her mother.

Pooja has cared for her husband for 12 years. He suffers from depression and from other health issues and is very dependent on her.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Wei - Interview 31 >> Wei's husband is not communicating with her and she finds that very hard (recording in Chinese).

Wei has been caring for her husband since he got mental health problems more than 20 years ago.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Ramanbhai - Interview 27 >> Ramanbhai did not initially notice it when his wife started to change, and now they have very different points of view.

Ramanbhai is a full time carer for his wife who suffers from depression. It took many years before she diagnosed, and she has other health issues as well.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for other or more than one relative >> Raye - Interview 30 >> While wishing for normal relations, Raye feels she needs to check up on her father and sister to see if they are OK.

Raye grew up with mental health problems in the family. Today, she is the main carer for her father (paranoid schizophrenia), her sister (schizophrenia) and her brother (manic depression). She now feels she needs to let go of some of the responsibilities and focus on her own life.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a son or daughter >> Miriam - Interview 05 >> Miriam understands that her young son might see her involvement as 'nagging' when he wants to live a normal life.

Miriam carers for her son who is in his late twenties. He has been diagnosed with schizophrenia but she thinks what he has is drugs infused psychosis.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a sister or brother >> Angela - Interview 15 >> Angela says people in hospitals don't get the care, support and empathy which they need and which helped her brother to recover.

Angela cared for her brother with mental health problems for much of her adult life. Once her brother was cured, she was finally able to get married and have a family, the absence of which had been as source of great pain for her.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Ramanbhai - Interview 27 >> Getting annoyed or angry didn't work and Ramanbhai now speaks to his wife in a gentle, comforting way.

Ramanbhai is a full time carer for his wife who suffers from depression. It took many years before she diagnosed, and she has other health issues as well.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a son or daughter >> Miriam - Interview 05 >> When her son is unwell she visits several times a day to make sure he is OK.

Miriam carers for her son who is in his late twenties. He has been diagnosed with schizophrenia but she thinks what he has is drugs infused psychosis.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a son or daughter >> Miriam - Interview 05 >> Her family 'back home' blames her for bringing her son to England where he became unwell.

Miriam carers for her son who is in his late twenties. He has been diagnosed with schizophrenia but she thinks what he has is drugs infused psychosis.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a son or daughter >> Sarah - Interview 25 >> Sarah's daughters gives practical help, and their strong relationships are a source of strength and emotional support (played by an actor).

Sarah cares for her son who has shcizophrenia. She is active in several carer's oganisations.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Ramanbhai - Interview 27 >> Ranambhai's daughter gives practical and emotional support to his wife, including discussing 'women's things' with her.

Ramanbhai is a full time carer for his wife who suffers from depression. It took many years before she diagnosed, and she has other health issues as well.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a son or daughter >> Tina - Interview 18 >> She thinks most support comes from the home, but more openness can help communities provide better support (played by an actor).

Tina cares for her son who suffers from mental health problems and she is also working as a carer for people with mental health problems at an Asian community centre.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a parent >> Amar - Interview 01 >> Amar thinks the fast pace of Western life means we lose touch with the natural world and family values.

Amar's mother got a schizophrenic disorder around the time the family moved from Kenya via India to England. Over forty years later, Amar is her mother's main carer, on top of a full time job and being a parent.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Wei - Interview 31 >> Wei does not want her husband to go to hospital because it is part of her culture to care for him herself (recording in Chinese).

Wei has been caring for her husband since he got mental health problems more than 20 years ago.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a parent >> Anton - Interview16 >> In some African societies, families can personally care for loved ones in hospital.

Anton cares for his 84 year old mother who suffers from dementia. His caring responsibilities together with his own health problems meant he had to take early retirement, but he is very involved in voluntary work.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for other or more than one relative >> Guo - Interview 14 >> In the USA Gou could go to weekly meetings at the hospital and talk to health professionals about his son's care.

Guo has been caring for two sons with bi-polar disorder for over twenty years. He doesn't think the current services meet the needs of people with mental health problems.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a son or daughter >> Jane - Interview 22 >> Jane says that people with a mental illness feel the same need to be loved as everyone else (played by an actor).

For the last 20 years Jane and her husband has cared for their daughter Sarah, who has schizophrenia. She worries about what will happen to their daughter when they are not around anymore.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a son or daughter >> Tina - Interview 18 >> Instead of offering friendliness and support, Tina says, people sometimes act as if mental health problems are contagious (played by an actor).

Tina cares for her son who suffers from mental health problems and she is also working as a carer for people with mental health problems at an Asian community centre.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a parent >> Nita - Interview 12 >> The dynamics in Nita's relationship to her mother have changed.

Nita cares for her mother who is diagnosed with manic depression. She thinks it is essential that carers have their own needs met and that they get support to come to terms with the loss and hurt they may feel.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Ramanbhai - Interview 27 >> Ramanbhai relies on his inner strength and doesn't talk to others.

Ramanbhai is a full time carer for his wife who suffers from depression. It took many years before she diagnosed, and she has other health issues as well.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a sister or brother >> Angela - Interview 15 >> Mental health stigma meant Angela did not marry and start a family when she wanted, leading to more feelings of shame.

Angela cared for her brother with mental health problems for much of her adult life. Once her brother was cured, she was finally able to get married and have a family, the absence of which had been as source of great pain for her.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a son or daughter >> Miriam - Interview 05 >> A friendly doctor took time to talk properly to Miriam and her son.

Miriam carers for her son who is in his late twenties. He has been diagnosed with schizophrenia but she thinks what he has is drugs infused psychosis.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a son or daughter >> Nick - Interview 02 >> Despite the attitudes of professionals, Nick involves himself but always asks his son's permission.

Nick and his wife have cared for their son with paranoid schizophrenia for almost 12 years. In the beginning Nick didn't feel heard by health professionals, but today he is a very involved.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a parent >> Nita - Interview 12 >> Nita thinks professionals should give time to both carers and patients.

Nita cares for her mother who is diagnosed with manic depression. She thinks it is essential that carers have their own needs met and that they get support to come to terms with the loss and hurt they may feel.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for other or more than one relative >> Guo - Interview 14 >> In the USA Gou could go to weekly meetings at the hospital and talk to health professionals about his son.

Guo has been caring for two sons with bi-polar disorder for over twenty years. He doesn't think the current services meet the needs of people with mental health problems.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Pooja - Interview 23 >> Pooja's husband used to be the provider but now follows her around 'like a child'.

Pooja has cared for her husband for 12 years. He suffers from depression and from other health issues and is very dependent on her.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Rani - Interview 07 >> Rani's husband has started to shout and talks to himself, which is frustrating, especially at night.

Rani cares for her husband who has depression and he is very much dependent on her. She finds it hard, especially since she suffers from ill health herself.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Aiko - Interview 17 >> Aiko says that in Japanese culture you put yourself aside to care for those who are vulnerable.

Aiko has been caring for her husband who suffers from complex post traumatic stress syndrome, bi-polar disorder and severe depression for seven years. She believes mental health services should address the needs of the whole family.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a son or daughter >> Miriam - Interview 05 >> Her youngest children worry about their older brother and think they may have to look after him one day.

Miriam carers for her son who is in his late twenties. He has been diagnosed with schizophrenia but she thinks what he has is drugs infused psychosis.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Kiran - Interview 26 >> Kiran's daughter came home regularly while at university to help care for his wife (recording in Gujarati).

Kiran has been caring for his wife for seven years. She has a lot of health issues and it took over 20 years to find out that depression was an important part of her problems.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Aiko - Interview 17 >> Aiko has decided not to tell her parents in Japan just yet about her husband's illness.

Aiko has been caring for her husband who suffers from complex post traumatic stress syndrome, bi-polar disorder and severe depression for seven years. She believes mental health services should address the needs of the whole family.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a sister or brother >> Angela - Interview 15 >> Living in a polygamous family created tension rather than support.

Angela cared for her brother with mental health problems for much of her adult life. Once her brother was cured, she was finally able to get married and have a family, the absence of which had been as source of great pain for her.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Pooja - Interview 23 >> Pooja used to rely on her husband, but now the roles have reversed.

Pooja has cared for her husband for 12 years. He suffers from depression and from other health issues and is very dependent on her.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a son or daughter >> Miriam - Interview 05 >> Miriam says patient confidentiality is tricky when it puts people at risk.

Miriam carers for her son who is in his late twenties. He has been diagnosed with schizophrenia but she thinks what he has is drugs infused psychosis.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a son or daughter >> Miriam - Interview 05 >> Miriam thinks regular communication between families and professionals can help prevent crises.

Miriam carers for her son who is in his late twenties. He has been diagnosed with schizophrenia but she thinks what he has is drugs infused psychosis.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Rani - Interview 07 >> After her husband got ill, they found it hard to understand each other.

Rani cares for her husband who has depression and he is very much dependent on her. She finds it hard, especially since she suffers from ill health herself.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Pooja - Interview 23 >> Pooja's son decided to get a job instead of studying so he could help his parents.

Pooja has cared for her husband for 12 years. He suffers from depression and from other health issues and is very dependent on her.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a son or daughter >> Jane - Interview 22 >> It used to be very difficult to communicate with her daughter, but now they are friends (played by an actor).

For the last 20 years Jane and her husband has cared for their daughter Sarah, who has schizophrenia. She worries about what will happen to their daughter when they are not around anymore.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Anne - Interview 20 >> Anne's two daughters reacted differently when she explained her husband's mental health problems to them.

Anne has been caring for her husband, who has severe depression, over the last four years. She has recently returned to part time work after having been a full time carer for some time. She believes it should be a requirement that health professionals listen to carers.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Kiran - Interview 26 >> When the children were young, Kiran worried about them and about money (recording in Gujarati).

Kiran has been caring for his wife for seven years. She has a lot of health issues and it took over 20 years to find out that depression was an important part of her problems.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a sister or brother >> Sophie - Interview 09 >> Her sister's mental health problems meant Sophie's family stood out in the crowd when she grew up.

Sophie has always had a caring role for her sister Angel. Angel is diognosed with Schizophrenia, but Sophie thinks this diagnosis is based on behaviour resulting from inappropriate medication of a mental disability and behavioral problems.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for their husband, wife or partner >> Pooja - Interview 23 >> Pooja gets great support from her son who lives with them, but less from her married daughters.

Pooja has cared for her husband for 12 years. He suffers from depression and from other health issues and is very dependent on her.

• Topic
• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> Children, family and social life >> Children, family and social life

Children, family and social life

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> People caring for a sister or brother >> Angela - Interview 15 >> Living in a polygamous family created tension rather than support.

Angela cared for her brother with mental health problems for much of her adult life. Once her brother was cured, she was finally able to get married and have a family, the absence of which had been as source of great pain for her.

• Mental health >> Mental health: ethnic minority carers’ experiences >> Support from family, friends and community >> Support from family, friends and community

Support from family, friends and community