We recognise the important role you play in supporting your relatives or friends through common mental health problems; and the impact caring for someone with a long term condition can have on your own health and wellbeing.

Sometimes the pressure of caring for someone else can build up until it feels like you can no longer cope. This is completely understandable, but may be a sign that you need to try and look after yourself. If you are feeling desperate and in crisis, you won’t be able to keep supporting someone else.

Try and take a small break. If that’s impossible, have a moment to yourself and take some long deep breaths. Knowing that things will get easier in the future can help you feel a little calmer.

It may be that you could do with some help to cope or someone to talk to, if being a carer is impacting on your wellbeing and emotions, please do know that you can refer yourself for talking therapies.

We have put some resources that may be helpful for you further down on this page.  Helping others can be tough so do remember to focus on your own wellbeing too.

There is a video kindly made by MIND on being a carer that may be helpful for you.