How mental health can affect people and Carers
Our aim is to provide you with information, options for support, health & wellbeing, self management and what to do in a crisis.
Mental health statistics: carers
Carers provide invaluable support and help to their family, friends and loved ones. The mental health needs of carers is often neglected, despite many carers having poor mental health.
Looking after a family member with a mental health problem can have a significant impact on carers’ own mental health. Mental health problems of carers include emotional stress, depressive symptoms and, in some cases, clinical depression.
71% of carers have poor physical or mental health. A Carers UK’s annual survey (2015) with over 5,000 carers across the UK revealed that 84% of carers feel more stressed, 78% feel more anxious and 55% reported that they suffered from depression as a result of their caring role, which was higher than findings in 2014.
38% of young carers report having a mental health problem, yet only half report receiving additional support from a member of staff at school.
Take care of your mental wellbeing
We all have mental health. It’s just a question of whether it’s good, bad or serious. Of course serious mental health issues can be very difficult and cause great suffering to those who have a diagnosis and quite devastating to family, friends and loved ones.
Having said that, many of us take our physical health seriously by having a sensible diet, plenty of exercise, etc. Our Mental Health is no different and we should take as much care of our emotional self as we do our physical wellbeing. Here are some tips, suggestions and ideas that may help:
1. Search and download online community apps from the NHS apps library
2. Connect with other people.
3. Get active – try some form of exercise
4. Pay attention to the present moment, this is the basis of mindfulness
5. Talk to someone about your feelings, it’s so important to find someone to talk to
Find out more about this advice and other useful information at the NHS website
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing/
Enfield Council’s Covid Are you OK? leaflet has many tips and strategies that are relevant in other situations.
Breathing exercise for stress
This calming breathing technique for stress, anxiety and panic takes just a few minutes and can be done anywhere.
You will get the most benefit if you do it regularly, as part of your daily routine.
- You can do it standing up, sitting in a chair that supports your back, or lying on a bed or yoga mat on the floor.
- Make yourself as comfortable as you can. If you can, loosen any clothes that restrict your breathing.
- If you’re lying down, place your arms a little bit away from your sides, with the palms up. Let your legs be straight, or bend your knees so your feet are flat on the floor.
- If you’re sitting, place your arms on the chair arms.
- If you’re sitting or standing, place both feet flat on the ground. Whatever position you’re in, place your feet roughly hip-width apart.
- Let your breath flow as deep down into your belly as is comfortable, without forcing it.
- Try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth.
- Breathe in gently and regularly. Some people find it helpful to count steadily from 1 to 5. You may not be able to reach 5 at first.
- Then, without pausing or holding your breath, let it flow out gently, counting from 1 to 5 again, if you find this helpful.
- Keep repeating this for 3 to 5 minutes.
There is a series of pages on the Carers Trust website which provides tailored advice and information on caring for people with specific conditions.
Conditions covered include: dementia or Alzheimer’s disease; learning disabilities; alcohol or substance misuse issues; and mental health problems.
Worried about your Mental Health?
If you’re feeling depressed, anxious, in a crisis, out of control , in fear of relapse or have any other symptoms around your mental health that worry you, you can contact:
Your GP
Local Crisis Team – 020 8702 3800
Mind – 020 8906 7505
Samaritans – 116 123
Shout Crisis Text Line – Text 85258
Papyrus under 35’s helpline – 0800 068 41 41 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 2-10pm) or Text 07786 209697
Calm – 0800 58 58 58 (5pm – 12pm)
IAPT – 020 8702 4900
You can also get advice from 111 (as long as its not an emergency) or by visiting A & E at North Middlesex Hospital.
Enfield Carers Centre also have a team of counsellors providing support in a safe and confidential environment. You can also call us for general advice on your Mental Health.
For more info call 020 8366 6677.
Blogs, forums, videos & audio guides
Elefriends forum: a safe, supportive online community from Mind
Blogs and stories: from people who have struggled with their mental health
Healthy London Partnership has collated support organisations in this leaflet.
Moodzone: NHS advice on stress, anxiety and depression
NHS audio guides: advice on anxiety, depression and more
Video: 8 relaxation tips from Mind
Debt and Mental Health: Martin Lewis booklet to download and other tips
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