Holidays & respite
Everyone needs a holiday. A holiday can be a time spent with friends or family, seeing somewhere different, a chance to try something new, experiencing a different culture or simply a time for relaxation and a break from your day-to-day activities. People with mental health problems as well as their carers need a break.
What sort of break you choose depends on how far you want to go, what you want to do and how busy you want to be.If you have a mental illness however, you may have to also take into account how well you are. Carers may want to consider whether they want to go away with the person they care for and if they do, how much responsibility they want to take. Going away when you are ill or when you are looking after someone who is ill, can be more stress than staying at home.
Am I well enough to go away?
Remember, going on holiday can be a stressful time. While you may be looking to recover when you get away, the actual planning and travel involved may make you more unwell. If you are planning on going abroad, you should be stable and confident that you will remain well throughout the length of your stay. You should also take out ample travel insurance that covers you for if you become ill when you are away. Even travel in the UK can be stressful if you have not planned well in advance and you are not well enough to go away from home for a period.If you are unwell but still need a break, there are options you can consider. Places that offer respite often take people who are ill and can be ideal for a relaxing holiday. Rethink itself has 2 respite centres specifically for people with mental health problems and their families.
