Bell Foundation®
Supporting Mental Health Research
  • ABOUT
    • OUR MISSION
    • OUR TEAM
    • IN THE PRESS
    • FAQ
  • GET INVOLVED
  • SEMINARS
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT
  • DONATE
  • VOLUNTEER
  • ABOUT
    • OUR MISSION
    • OUR TEAM
    • IN THE PRESS
    • FAQ
  • GET INVOLVED
  • SEMINARS
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT
  • DONATE
  • VOLUNTEER
In Mental Health

Recognising the Emotional Side of Caregivers

recognising the emotional side of caregivers
Share this story

Whatever your situation, it is important to remember that you, too, are important.

No matter how well you cope with a caregiving situation, its very nature is challenging. It involves the loss of independence, comfort, ability, health, and ultimately, life. Here are some of the feelings that you may experience as a caregiver, and how you might better cope with them:

1. Risk of social isolation

It’s common for caregiving duties to take up a great deal of your free time, which makes it difficult for you to have a proper dinner with your family or go watch a movie with friends. Caregivers also tend not to talk to others about their caregiving responsibilities due to the stigma around it. This could make you feel lonely, and you could be putting yourself at risk for mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. To mitigate this, find ways to get out of the house and involve in something other than caregiving.

2. Stress and worry

Taking care of a mental health patient and being responsible for their health can be very stressful. There are a lot of tasks to juggle, from managing medications to dealing with challenging behaviours. The longer the person provides care, the greater the stresses build up. If you noticed that you are stressed most of the time, try looking at your wider circle of support – family, neighbours, friends, relatives, to see where you might get some nurturing. Having a support group or a group of family/ friends to cheer you on is important, both comforting and necessary to remain resilient through your caregiving journey.

3. Frustration and anger

As a caregiver, sometimes you may feel that you can’t do anything right or that things just don’t go as planned no matter what you do or how hard you try. Anger and frustration are a normal part of being around someone who needs help on an ongoing basis. If you noticed you have “lost it” while providing care, learn to walk away and give yourself a break to refresh your energy.

Being aware of common issues caregivers face can help you be on the lookout for signs you are experiencing them as well. If you recognise early on that you are feeling isolated, stressed, or frustration, take action to get help. It’s easy for caregivers to overlook their own wellbeing, but taking care of yourself will not only help you, it will help the one you care for as well.


Share this story

Want our blog delivered directly to your email?

Subscribe
Subscribe to our email list now.
guide series mental health
Previous StoryPractising Self-Care: An Ultimate Guide for Caregivers
Next StoryLiving A Life That Has Ups And Downs

Related Articles

  • missing person
    'No one is truly there to help': why so little is known about the reasons people go missing
  • social skills
    How parents can help their young children develop healthy social skills

Leave your comment Cancel Reply

(will not be shared)

Archives

  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • November 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018

Categories

Tags

antidepressant anxiety bipolar disorder borderline personality disorder cancer children clean eaters coronavirus covid-19 depression early sign eating disorders fatigue guide series help series homeless housing inspiring story lockdown loneliness mental health missing person myth vs fact online therapy panic attack personality disorder postnatal poverty research study schizophrenia sleep problems social skills stroke suicide telehealth telehealth care work from home young adults

WHO WE ARE

  • OUR TEAM
  • PRESS
  • CONTACT
  • FAQ

WHAT WE DO

  • OUR MISSION
  • GET INVOLVED
  • DONATE
  • BLOG

FIND US ELSEWHERE

                   

ACCREDITATION

2021 © The Bell Foundation ABN 67 180 805 426 *All donations of $2 and over are tax deductible. •Sitemap •Refund & Privacy Policy •Accessibility

Subscribe to Email Newsletter

You have successfully subscribed to the newsletter

There was an error while trying to send your request. Please try again.

Bell Foundation® will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.