Young woman and elderly woman sitting close on a park bench during sunset, smiling and enjoying each other's company.

Information for Carers

Caring for someone experiencing mental health difficulties can be demanding, exhausting, and at times overwhelming. While caring can be deeply meaningful, it can also take a significant emotional, physical, and psychological toll.

Research consistently shows that carers are at increased risk of stress, anxiety, and depression, particularly when caring roles are long-term, unpredictable, or involve high levels of responsibility. Many carers experience disrupted sleep, ongoing worry, feelings of guilt, frustration, or isolation, and a gradual erosion of their own wellbeing. These responses are common and understandable, given the demands of the role.

Caring is often described as something people just do, but it is not easy, and it can be deeply taxing. Acknowledging the impact it has on you does not mean you care any less. In fact, recognising your own needs is an important part of sustaining care over time.

Supporting someone you care about

Carers often play a vital role in encouraging a loved one to seek help and stay engaged with support. This can include:

  • gently encouraging professional help when concerns persist

  • offering practical support with appointments or routines

  • listening without trying to “fix” everything

  • recognising when things are beyond what you can manage alone

It’s also important to remember that you cannot carry responsibility for another person’s recovery by yourself.

Supporting yourself

Carers benefit from having their own space to talk openly, access information, and receive support that is specific to the caring role. Connecting with carer-focused services can help reduce isolation, build understanding, and support your own mental health.

For information, support, and advocacy for carers, I recommend Carers NSW, which provides education, counselling, peer support, and practical resources for people in caring roles.

Caring can be challenging, exhausting, and emotionally complex. You don’t need to do it alone, and seeking support for yourself is not a failure — it is a necessary part of caring well.