Mental Health Tips for Carers

The presence of a disability doesn’t only directly affect the individual. In many cases, the very people devoted to improving quality of life for those who require assistance are themselves ending up with serious mental health issues, as exhaustion and lack of support takes its toll.

The mental health of Carers is an issue that has been getting much more attention in recent years, and for good reason. If you’re an employed carer, family member or parent, caring for someone with a disability comes with a great deal of responsibility.

Because of this, it’s important to admit that while it can be rewarding and valuable, being a carer for those who need physical or mental assistance can be an exhausting process. If you want the best care to be provided for the individual, carers must focus on their mental health too.

Carers’ physical, emotional and above all, mental health should all be looked after. Self-care and personal time are essential to give your mind a break and body rest. The most important thing to remember is that self-care is not selfish, it does not mean you have forgotten about the person you are caring for; it just means your life is important too. Self-care is easy, cost-effective and necessary, allowing improved long-term health results and caring ability. 

Carers and Stress

Regrettably, carers and stress seem to go hand in hand. Disability carers stress is a real thing and shouldn’t be taken lightly. The role of ‘carer’ is undoubtedly hard, and this can be compounded by social isolation, conflict, and lack of needed support.

We know it is difficult and we understand the complexity of this role. We also understand how important it is to focus on your own goals and mental wellbeing to continue doing the great work you do every day. Help to You recognises the contribution carers make to society and the immensely positive impact they have on the lives of the disabled. Because of this, we are here to help you with a few tips and pointers.

Taking care of yourself 

Whether you are a current carer or a prospective one, taking care of yourself should be a priority. You can’t possibly take care of someone else without taking care of yourself too. If you deny, suppress or ignore your own mental health needs, you will drain yourself out. This will defeat the purpose of your role. Slowing down, taking a breath, recouping and restarting are all important particularly in a carer’s role. Maintaining your mental health is the goal.

Useful tips 

Help to You is an accredited NDIS provider here to assist carers and those they care for by providing essential services. Here are a few useful tips and pointers that we think will make a difference in the lives of those who care for an NDIS participant:

• Increase physical activity – staying active gives your mind a break, this allows you to refresh and restart 
• Get plenty of rest, sleep early and try to get into a sleeping routine, this will give your body a type of schedule and give you more energy
• Maintain your social life and establish a support group for yourself such as friends and family. There are also carers support groups online and in person where carers can talk about their issues and assist each other.
• Mediate, this will help you clear your mind and keep you focused. Apps such as Headspace can provide an easy way to be mindful and calm when you only have a few minutes respite.
• Ask for help if you need it, your mental health is just as important as anyone else’s.
• Look into services that Help to You offers, we can help you manage the workload and physical tasks that can often be so overwhelming.

Need a break?

Do you feel stressed and overwhelmed? Need a break? Help to You is here to help you and put your needs first. We offer a range of services, giving you extra assistance and improving your mental wellbeing. The recent onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has made life harder for all of you and we understand this. Some of our services have been altered so that we stay COVID Safe and keep you safe. Our staff are trained, and proper precautions are taken. If you want to find out more, contact us on:

Email: info@3.235.171.87

Phone: 0404 491 627