How Carers Can Look After Their Own Mental Health

Meeting Your Fundamental Needs

As a carer, it is important to recognize and meet your fundamental needs to maintain your own health. This includes physical needs like adequate nutrition, restful sleep, and exercise, as well as emotional needs like feeling connected to others, finding joy in life, and feeling secure. 

Physical Needs 

It is common for carers to become so focused on responding to the physical needs of those they are caring for that they often neglect their own. Taking steps to ensure that you are eating healthy meals at regular intervals throughout the day and getting an adequate amount of sleep can help you maintain better physical health and lower stress levels. Additionally, regular exercise can help reduce stress hormones in the body while releasing endorphins which can improve your mood.

Emotional Needs 

Caring for others requires a lot of time and energy and it’s easy to lose sight of your own emotional needs when you are caught up in looking after someone else’s. Finding ways to connect with other people who understand what you’re going through can provide much needed support during difficult times. Connecting with friends and family members or joining a support group are all excellent options when it comes to meeting your emotional needs. Additionally, taking time out just for yourself to do something enjoyable or relaxing can go a long way towards improving your outlook on life.

Connecting to Yourself 

Carers often neglect their own needs to care for others. They can lose their sense of self which can lead to low mood and feelings of resentment, which can lead to guilt. It can be helpful to engage in activities which make you feel like YOU, such as learning new skills or engaging in hobbies that bring joy and satisfaction into your life. 

Asking for Help 

Asking for help is not always easy, but it can be one of the most important steps when it comes to looking after your own mental health. If you are feeling overwhelmed or like you are struggling more than usual, then reaching out to somebody for support can be invaluable. 

It’s important to remember that asking for help is a sign of strength and resilience, not weakness. It takes courage to recognise when you need support and take the necessary steps to get it. Starting conversations with friends and family about how you’re feeling could be a great place to start, as they may have some advice or practical help they can offer. 

Another option would be to speak with your doctor if you feel comfortable doing so. They may be able to refer you on for further medical care, such as counselling services or medication if necessary. You could also look into local charities which provide dedicated support services such as helplines or online forums where you could talk anonymously with someone who understands what you are going through. 

There are numerous organisations in the UK which provide mental health training, so seeking professional help is nothing to be ashamed of – everyone needs a little extra care from time to time! Take the time to do some research and find out which services best suit your individual needs and make sure you never feel like you’re alone in this journey.

Making Time for Yourself 

Caring for someone can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be emotionally and physically draining. Looking after your own mental health as a carer is essential to ensure that you are able to continue providing the highest levels of support to those who need it. Caring for someone should not mean sacrificing your own wellbeing, so setting aside time for yourself is vital. Making time for yourself can help you relax, take a break from any worries and concerns, and give you an opportunity to recharge and reset. 

Creating time for yourself doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive; it could simply mean taking a few minutes every day to sit in calm, go for a walk outside or do something creative like painting or crafting. Finding activities that are calming yet energising will help maintain your mental health and provide much needed respite from the pressures of caring. It’s also important to stay connected with family and friends as this will provide additional support, understanding and reassurance throughout your journey of caring.

Additionally, keeping stress levels manageable is key; this could involve deep breathing exercises when feeling overwhelmed, regular exercise, prioritising sleep or setting boundaries so that you don’t overcommit yourself. 

Making sure that you are looking after both your mental and physical health will enable you to continue providing the best care possible without neglecting your own needs in the process. Remember that self-care isn’t selfish – it’s necessary!