You give your all to your loved ones everyday as a caregiver. You spend all your energy taking care of them and making sure they’re comfortable and happy. But what about you? What about your wellbeing? Your mental health? What can you do, as a caregiver, to support your own mental health?

Caregiving can be difficult. Many caregivers don’t realise they’re suffering which can lead to a  downwards spiral of mental health and leading towards burnout. More than 60% of caregivers experience burnout. Thankfully, there are a few ways to support yourself.

Therapy

Therapists provide a safe place to voice your concerns and feelings regarding the stress of caring for a loved one. They can also provide you with tips and strategies to help you cope with stress and better manage your mental health challenges that come from being a caregiver.  

Have Time for Yourself

You might feel like taking time for yourself is selfish, but it’s not. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and just like a battery needs to be recharged, so do you. Don’t feel guilty about stepping away for a few minutes to catch your breath and take some time for self care. It will greatly improve your mental health. To be able to do this, sometimes you have to be able to ask for help.

Ask for Help

Asking for or receiving help can be hard. Often caregivers can feel a sense of guilt for not feeling like they can manage on their own. You might not also want to share the burden with anyone else, but don’t let that stop you. People often won’t know you need help unless you ask. Don’t wait for things to overwhelm you before it’s too late. Reach out to someone.

Health Body, Healthy Mind

As a caregiver, you work day in and day out to take care of your loved one. Your body can’t keep up with you if you aren’t taking care of it, and when the body suffers, so does the mind. Proper nutrition, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, and regular exercise are all important in keeping your body and mind healthy.

Find Resources

Tap into the many resources that are available.  Carefor offers programs for both caregivers and their loved ones. The Adult Day Programs in Carling, Finch, and at Perley Health can be the perfect place for a loved one with dementia to get out of the house and enjoy activities and exercise. What’s more, Carefor’s Let’s Get Together Club offers help to caregivers, giving them a break where they can make friends and connections.

Support Groups

In person and online support groups can be a great help. Carefor’s senior support centres in Eastern Counties also have caregiver support groups. You can contact the centre in your area to see what programs are available to you through the Caregiver Support page. You can also visit the Ontario Caregiver Organisation for more resources.

You are never alone and your feelings matter. If you’d like to learn more about the Let’s Get Together Club, please click here. To learn more about the Adult Day Programs, visit our website.