Looking after yourself while supporting someone
Whether you find yourself in a temporary caregiving role or providing ongoing support, there are services and resources available to make your caregiving journey more manageable. Your level of care might involve assisting with daily activities, accompanying them to appointments, or being there for various needs throughout the day.
Caring for someone can be deeply fulfilling, but it also comes with emotional and physical challenges. Especially if the person you're caring for is dealing with mental health issues, their moods and behaviors might fluctuate, presenting additional difficulties. There may be times when your care is met with resistance or when the person you're assisting is unable to express their needs.
In the midst of your caregiving responsibilities, it's common to experience feelings of frustration, exhaustion, loneliness, or isolation. You might perceive your own needs as secondary to those of the person you're caring for, potentially leading you to neglect seeking help. However, it's crucial to remember that caring for someone doesn't mean neglecting yourself. Your well-being is paramount, as neglecting it could compromise your ability to provide effective support to someone else."
“You are a better carer when you look after yourself, because who will look after the unwell person if you become unwell?”
“It's easy to burn out. Caring for a family member is not like working from 9-5. It goes on day and night, it’s non-stop. That's why self-care is so important."
Get the support you need
There are websites, forums, and other online resources that can give you support and guidance on caring for someone.
An Australian Government website and phone service for carers. If you care for a family member or friend, Carer Gateway can help you find and access support services, practical advice, and free coaching. It can also connect you to a community of other carers.
The national peak body representing Australia’s unpaid carers, advocating on their behalf to influence policies and services at a national level.
A moderated, online peer support forum for sharing tips on supporting a partner, family member or friend with a mental health condition. You can also seek support for your own wellbeing with other carers.
SANE Friends, Family, and Carers Forum
An online community for people affected by mental illness. A safe, stigma-free, supportive, and anonymous peer support community. The forum is moderated 24/7 by mental health professionals.
Lifeline toolkit for carers of people with a mental illness
A self-help resource for people caring for someone to help people living with mental illness.
A nationally coordinated resource to raise young carer awareness, provide information, and direct young carers to appropriate pathways for support.