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Experiencing a sense of helplessness can be a common experience for people supporting a loved one with a mental illness. It's natural to be alarmed by what's happening to your loved one and concerned about your capacity to support them.

This sense of helplessness can be exacerbated if you feel excluded from your loved one's recovery journey or unable to connect with them. Mental illness – no matter how severe or mild – can play havoc with a person's thinking, feelings and behaviour. It can cause distress and difficulty in functioning, and lead people to distance or detach themselves from their support network.

We'll be tackling the feelings of frustration and futility that can arise for people affected by mental illness – including their families, friends, colleagues and carers – in this month's Topic Tuesday on the SANE Forums.

If you're not familiar with Topic Tuesday, the safe and inclusive event runs from 7pm - 9pm AEST monthly on the SANE Forums. Each month we focus on a different topic. Topics we have covered previously include how to speak to someone who isn't okay, tips for helping a loved one who doesn't want help, and what it's really like to live with schizophrenia.

Sometimes, Topic Tuesday will feature a special guest who is an expert in the topic. For this month's discussion, we'll be joined by @Lynne1 from Mental Health Carers in Tasmania. @Lynne will share her experiences with a view to help you find ways to feel more included and involved in your loved one's recovery.

Throughout the session, our friendly Community Managers will ensure the conversation stays safe and on topic. They'll put out questions to encourage open discussion – to contribute, you just have to hit the 'reply' button and share your thoughts. There are no right or wrong answers and everyone is welcome to get involved.

If you have any questions about how to use the Forums, we have a comprehensive guide available. If you would like to receive an email reminder on the night that the event is happening, click here.

It's important to remember that with the right information and support, life can get a lot better for everyone affected by mental illness. We hope to see you for this important and honest discussion about how to develop the tools to look after your loved ones and yourself.