Support for Supporters

Hi there,

In the discussion of mental health issues, there is not much focus on those support networks for sufferers of depression, anxiety etc.

The ongoing trend of the potential chain reaction effect of mental health issues from sufferer to supporter is something which needs further attention. There is significant reluctance to seek help and stigma surrounding the supporters themselves, which is a result of many different factors like "I'm not the one with the problem".
I have seen and experienced first hand how the weight of supporting sufferers can have a huge negative impact upon yourself, yet the number of supporters who seek help or reach out if they feel too overwhelmed and are succumbing to the pressure is remarkably low, continuing the vicious cycle of mental health illnesses.
I want to reduce the stigma for supporters, and communicate the message that 'it is ok to talk to someone, even if you're not suffering from a mental illness'.
I was wondering if anyone could please provide me with some advice about how I may implement this change at a community level, particularly within my school so that I may create a pathway to improve access to health services for these people.