When you care for a person with a disability, a great deal of your time and energy will be focused on their health and wellbeing. That’s OK. It can be incredibly rewarding to care for a person with a disability.
But as a carer you might also find it hard to care for yourself – especially when it comes to your mental health. If your own mental health is suffering, you won’t find it rewarding at all. And who will look after your loved one if your own health is suffering?
The good news is that there are some great techniques that can support your mental health as a carer.
Techniques to support carer’s mental health
Organise relief support
You may be the primary carer for a person with a disability. But that doesn’t mean you have to carry the entire load. Family members and friends are often able – and willing – to step in and provide relief care. And if not, you can organise to have professional relief carers come in.
Many carers – particularly those who care for children, parents or other family members with a disability – don’t want to ask for help. They consider the care ‘their responsibility’. But you have a responsibility to yourself as well. And without help, you may find that your own mental health suffers.
There are many respite care organisations. And contacting one could be the difference between good mental health care support and finding yourself sliding into a negative head space.
Make time for self-care
When you’re a carer self-care becomes non-negotiable. It is crucial for you to sustain your own health in order to continue to give care, especially where you are caring for a person with a permanent disability.
This will look different for everyone. But start with the basics – getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, making time to move your body and seeing friends and family. It’s also important to make time for your hobbies and other things that you enjoy. Research shows that people who spend time on the things they love are less likely to suffer from stress, depression and low moods.
Join a support group
Not everyone will understand what you’re going through. And those that love you might want to give you support, but simply may not know how. That’s where a carers mental health support group can really shine.
There are many options for carer support groups. You might find one that is specifically for carers of people with a certain disability. Or you might prefer one that is more generalised. You might want to meet in person, or online.
Whatever works best for you, it can be fantastic to have the chance to talk to and bond with others who have shared experiences. And you can get insight you might not otherwise have.
Carer Gateway can help you find a local carers mental health support group.
Your health supports your mental health
If you are not physically well, your mental health will suffer. Make and keep regular appointments with your GP, your dentist and any other specialists to maintain your physical health. Feeling better physically is a great starting point for feeling better mentally.
Get expert help
If you feel that you’re already struggling with your mental health, reach out for help. Our expert psychologists are here to help you work through your challenges and find techniques, tools and strategies to move forward.
You are important – and so is your mental health – both as a human and as a carer. Don’t put off getting the help you need!
Author: Di O’Malley – Founder and Managing Director of Young Minds Health and Development Network, and Counselling Psychologist.
If you’re a carer struggling with your mental health, please call us on (07) 3857 0074 to book an appointment with one of our clinicians. Or send us an Appointment Request via this website and we’ll contact you as soon as possible to book a suitable time for you.