report a worsening of their physical and mental health as a result of a caring role than those who did not feel lonely.
• Open up and discuss your concerns with others, perhaps with someone in the family you are close to who you trust or a good friend. • Consider some lifestyle changes such as walking outdoors, eating regular and varied meals, reducing caffeine or alcohol intake or living in the present moment otherwise known as mindfulness. Reducing or limiting device screen time and exposure to constant negative news can also help your well- being. • If you are unable to turn to anyone, call Northamptonshire Carers on 01933 677907 and we can help signpost you to find the right support for you, such as our SPRING social prescribing service. • If you need help for a mental health crisis or emergency, you should seek immediate expert advice and assessment by calling 111 or your GP Surgery and ask for an urgent appointment. If someone’s life is at risk, perhaps from self-injury or overdose, call 999 immediately. • Call The Samaritans on 116 123 or if you are under 19, you can call Childline on 0800 1111 and the number will not appear on your phone bill.
Carers who have reached breaking point as a result of caring are twice as likely to say that they are socially isolated because they are unable to leave the house and are also more likely to have experienced depression as a result of caring. Almost half (48%) of Carers said they did not have time to spend on social activities while 31% said they could not afford to participate in social activities, both of which significantly contributed to their feelings of loneliness or social isolation. With all of this, there are ways of trying to improve loneliness and isolation:- • Talk, try and be open and honest to those around you. • Try and make new connections, often with other Carers who will understand your situation. • Try not to compare yourself to others. • Try and push your own boundaries and reduce isolation by setting yourself a daily goal. Supporting your own Mental Well-being/Health There are several types of mental health conditions and depression so seeking medical support if you are experiencing persistent symptoms can help.
Action for Happiness www.actionforhappiness.org/10-keys
Counselling Sometimes, caring for others can be isolating and overwhelming. It is OK to seek help. Some of us worry about opening up and talking about issues with strangers, however, you may find you and who you care for benefit in a variety of different ways. Letting worries and concerns increase without doing anything about them can make you less able to go about your caring responsibilities. This in turn can have a negative impact on your mental health and create a downward spiral affect. Even if you are unable to leave the house there will be a form of counselling that you can access.
Some key symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders include:
• Fatigue or exhaustion • Irregular sleep pattern • Changes in eating patterns or appetite • Sense of being worthless and guilt • Unable to concentrate or make decisions easily • Thoughts of death or suicide
Constructive counselling can make a difference. • All unpaid Carers deserve an opportunity to focus on themselves and think about their needs too. • Counselling can help you think about your own circumstance, consider options and
Many of us will experience feeling down for a few days. However, when you are depressed, or suffering with other symptoms for longer, you should seek the appropriate medical advice and support as soon as possible.
We can support each other’s well-being through mental health issues.
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