“I just want other carers out there to know they are not alone.”

This last year has incredibly difficult for many of us. We know from our new research that a third of adults and young people have struggled with worsening mental health since March 2020. We also know that many people, in addition to looking after themselves and their mental health, are also caring for someone else.

If you’re caring for someone with a mental health problem, you, or those around you, may not see you as a carer. There are many different mental health problems, and the support you provide may be emotional rather than everyday physical caring tasks.

Care is wide ranging and varied. Whether it’s providing emotional support, helping with the management of day-to-day tasks, supporting them in challenging times or advocating for them. There are many ways you could be a carer.

Beth, who has supported her mum with agoraphobia for many years, offers practical advice for others who support someone with a mental health problem.

Read Beth’s story

If you are caring for someone, we’re here to support you. We have information on our website about how to manage your own wellbeing and mental health, as well as tips on how to find further support. We hope this helps.

If you’re not a carer, we also have information on our website about how to support a loved one who may be struggling with their mental health, as well as how to look after or get support for your own mental health.

Be kind to yourself.

Take care,

Candy at Mind

Need help?

Call the Mind Infoline

0300 123 3393