Carers
Do you care for someone in mental distress?
If you are a partner, relative or close friend of someone with mental health difficulties and you provide a major part of their care, then you would be known as a 'carer'.
It can sometimes be difficult to see yourself as a carer, particularly if you are looking after a friend or family member. If you answer yes, or even maybe, to any of the following then you would be considered a carer
Do you feel responsible for supporting a person with mental ill health?
Do you assist a person on a day-to-day basis?
Do you feel you have to be there for them?
D
o you feel you need more information about mental health difficulties and the options open to you?
Do you feel no-one understands the pressures on you?
Do you feel you have to cope alone?
Highs and Lows of being a carer
Caring for someone can be immensely rewarding, but there are times when caring for someone in mental distress can bring a sense of isolation and extreme stress. It is at these times that you might well benefit from the information contained on these pages and the different kinds of help and support highlighted here.
Caring about Carers
Caring about Carers is a national strategy introduced by the Government. The strategy acknowledges the vital role of carers and introduces ways of supporting them more effectively.