Looking after yourself is a really important part of caring for someone else. Supporting yourself with care and love will help you to feel happier, healthier and better balanced, which will help you to cope better with your caring responsibilities.

How does supporting someone else affect your mental health?

When you’re caring for someone else (mentally or physically) it can affect your own mental wellbeing. Although you are dedicated to caring for them, you may also find it difficult and upsetting sometimes, which is completely normal and understandable.

You may be experiencing…

• Stress and worry

• Anxiety and depression

• Less time for yourself

• Isolation

• Frustration, anger and guilt

• Low self-esteem

• Money worries

Only you can truly take care of yourself. Here, we have collated options to support your wellbeing and mental health…

Talk

It can be incredibly helpful to share how you’re feeling if you’re struggling to cope.

Try opening up with someone you trust, someone who will actively listen. This could be a family member, friend, acquaintance or colleague.

If you’d rather not talk to someone you know, you could join a support group for carers.

Stay organised

Keeping organised can help you feel more in control. Try keeping a schedule or planner of your daily routine and make sure that you keep all important information and medication in one place.

Don’t be hard on yourself if things get lost. As a carer, you’ve naturally got a lot to think about and remember.

It may also help to let someone else (a friend, family member or paid worker) know where key information is and what to do if you become unwell yourself.

Find positives in your relationship

Taking care of someone can alter your relationship with them. Sometimes you may feel close to them, other times you may feel frustrated or angry.

It helps to talk openly to find ways of coping together. Try to think of yourself as their friend, partner or family member first and foremost. Talk together about how you might be able to strengthen the positive parts of your relationship.

Don’t forget to do nice things together as well as carrying out your daily responsibilities.

Additional wellbeing tips

• Ask for help when you need it

• Keep a diary

• Take breaks

• Be realistic about what you can manage

• Support their independence

• Make time for yourself

• Get enough sleep

• Develop / learn a relaxation technique

• Take care of your physical health

• Read positive affirmations

We provide an invaluable service to Black and Ethnic Minority carers. If you are seeking support, please view our Carers Resources and get in touch to find out how we can help you.