Caring For The Carers

Helping someone with their personal, medical and financial needs can come at a cost, and carers often struggle to find time for themselves. No matter how well they 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: Recognising The Emotional Side of Caregivers

CBT And Mindfulness For Carers

It’s often suggested that carers implement self-care, respite and wellness practices to avoid these dangers. However, carers can struggle to implement these tools due to time and lifestyle pressures. There are two techniques you can use to recharge, refresh and take care of your wellbeing in your own home. Cognitive behaviour therapy and mindfulness can be studied online and practised in spare moments throughout the day: CBT And Mindfulness For Carers

Ability To Detach

Taking care of someone can be stressful, and sometimes you might feel anxious, angry, frustrated, resentful or sad. It’s important that you find ways to manage your stress and stay mentally healthy. Learn to detach from work and/or from home allows focus, helps to manage stress and responsibilities, and allows you to be present: Ability To Detach

Support Available For Carers

If you feel very stressed and want urgent help or advice, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636. Otherwise, there is also other support available for carers: 

Carers Australia: Carers Australia is the national peak body representing Australia’s unpaid carers, advocating on their behalf to influence policies and services at a national level. It works collaboratively with partners and its member organisations, the Network of state and territory Carers Associations, to deliver a range of essential national carer services.

Mental Health Carers Australia (formerly ARAFMI National): Mental Health Carers (formerly ARAFMI) Australia is a collective of organisations whose members have a relative or friend affected by mental illness. These organisations may have different names depending on the State and Territory where you live. Mental Health Carers Australia present the views and perspectives of carers and advocate for changes and services to improve the lives and wellbeing of people affected by mental illness, including carers and family members.

Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (MIFA): The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia is a membership organisation, representing at the national level, the interests of its member organisations and people affected by mental illness. MIFA has member organisations operating in most States and Territories.

Other helpful resources:

Looking after yourself
What support is available for carers