Emotional wellbeing for carers

At some point in our life, most of us will be a carer. 

A carer is someone who provides unpaid support to someone else. This could be a family member, partner, friend, neighbour or child. And you might support them with a physical or mental health condition, disability, or age-related needs. 

Support can range from assisting with daily tasks such as dressing, shopping, eating and personal care, to giving emotional support. Carers often go unrecognised for their role, yet their contribution is vital.

The impact of care in the UK

Recent data found that there are 5.8 million unpaid carers in the UK. And almost 2 million of those are providing 50 or more hours of care per week. Carers contribute £162 billion to the UK economy each year.

Providing unpaid care impacts carers lives:

• A recent survey found that 20% of carers feel they are neglecting themselves.
• Just over three quarters of carers feel stressed or anxious, and half of carers feel depressed.
• 54% of carers said their physical health had suffered because of their caring duties.
• Three quarters of carers in employment said they had found it stressful to juggle work and care, and just over 40% of carers in employment said they had reduced their working hours as a result.

The impacts go right across physical health and emotional wellbeing. It’s clear that delivering support to carers is vital.

The power of caring and kindness

But what about the positive impacts of care-giving? 

Caring for others makes a huge difference in their life. Your kindness and support helps them feel safe, valued, and less alone. Whether it’s providing emotional comfort or practical help, your care brings stability and reassurance. At the same time, supporting someone you love can deepen your connection and bring a sense of fulfilment.

Research shows that even small acts of kindness can improve emotional wellbeing. A 2023 study found that acts of kindness improve feelings of connection and emotional wellbeing. Similarly, Mental Health Foundation research reveals that over two thirds of UK adults feel a positive effect on their mental health when receiving kindness. And the same percentage said they got the same benefits from showing kindness to others. 

This means that simple gestures – like offering to sit with someone or assisting with daily tasks – have enormous power to shift our wellbeing.

Who cares for the carer?

Caring for a loved one is both rewarding and challenging. Whether you support an elderly parent, a partner, or a child with additional needs, your kindness makes a real and positive difference. However, it can also be exhausting.

As a carer, it’s easy to focus on others and forget your own emotional wellbeing. However, the popular saying is true: you really cannot pour from an empty cup! 

Ignoring your own needs leads to stress and burnout, making it harder to support those you love. By balancing kindness towards others with kindness to yourself, you ensure care for both you and your loved ones.

Many people who have caring responsibilities don’t define themselves as carers. Carers’ Week research in 2023 found that nearly three quarters of people who had provided unpaid care in that year said they do not identify as or call themselves a carer. This means many people are missing out on essential support!

So let’s take a look at how you can find the support you need when caring for a loved one, and make sure that balance stays right for you.

Support for carers in Essex

The demands of caregiving can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, stress, and even depression. Carers often prioritise the needs of others over their own. Because we recognise these challenges, Essex Wellbeing Service provides dedicated support to help carers navigate their caring responsibilities with their own health and emotional wellbeing as a top priority.

Through our Carer’s support service, we provide:

• Signposting to carers’ support in Essex
• Information on local support groups and services in your community
• Tailored advice based on your individual circumstances
• A referral for a carer’s assessment, if needed
• Confidential and compassionate listening

You can also access our other services, all designed to help you stay well in mind and body. This includes everything from Mental Health and Emotional Support, to a Health Check for your physical wellbeing.

And getting support from our services couldn’t be easier! Simply fill out the form on our website or call us on 0300 303 9988 for a free, confidential discussion about your situation.

If you provide unpaid support to another person, you’re a carer. Remember to take care of your own emotional wellbeing and physical health by reaching out for support and assistance.