Call for routine screening of carers for signs of depression

11/5/2013

BBC News has today run a headline story about regular screening of carers' health and that 40% of carers are thought to be at risk of depression or stress. (Click here for the full story).This probably is really news to most of us and many carers are left to find their own pathway through the role of being a carer. Stress is a common issue that we see carers suffering from and I am sure many carers could identify with the thought of being depressed. Richmond Carers Centre and the Carers Hub Service partners all offer different services that can help carers to learn about ways to manage stress and cope better, maintaining their health and well-being. Locally there are services targeting carers health and you may like to call Richmond Carers Centre on 020 8867 2380 for advice on what is available. Many carers have found ways to cope, the question today is:
What is your way of coping with stress and what do you do to try to reduce the impact it has on your own health?

Jeannie

11/5/2013 03:05:14 am

For me, the most important thing is to have someone to talk to. Being a carer can be very isolating, and having a friendly ear, someone who understands and is willing just to listen, can really lighten the load. If laughter is involved, so much the better. This is why support groups, befrienders and resources like this website and blog are so important.

Denise

11/5/2013 09:15:51 am

Yes having someone to talk to is really helpful and not necessarily about related issues to the caring you involved in but just general conversation. I also find exercise, throwing myself into my hobbies and just trying to accept the situation I am in rather than trying to fight does help. I am luckierthan some carers as I can actually go out for short periods so have been able to join things or by helping others which gives me a break from the day to day to routine and gives me some me time. Having said that I am not resentful of the role that I am in and hopeful that it will improve so my caring role becomes more of an enjopyable spouse role. Always see the light at the end of the tunnel howver faint it might be.

Carol W. link

17/5/2013 05:04:36 am

Like Denise, it may be easier for me, as I can go out usually - my husband with dementia is now in a care home [1 year], so I no longer have to stay in because of his needs [as I did before]. and my son [with mental illness] is usually well enough for me not to have to be there. When my son is ill or binge drinks, he usually has to be placed in hospital - or sometimes has ended in custody. He is helpful when well - recently I was able to go for a superb week in Greece; he stayed home and looked after the house and our 2 cats! This allowed me to have a wonderful holiday with my sister.

I socialise quite a lot - jazz clubs, parties, theatre, seeing friends, cinema - & carers' events - and am a regular member of U3A [University of the 3rd Age] - I am learning Spanish with them! I am fairly fit - ride a bike, and used to go regularly for years to the fitness centre at Teddington Pool. I also use MIND services, and was having massage from them for 2 years. I like meals out with friends, dancing, and generally having fun. Recently enjoyed going to see the Rocky Horror Show with the MIND carers' group.

At RCC - I enjoy doing art and photography - I am a long term member of the art group, and an active member of the photography group - I have learnt a lot about taking good photos over the last 3 years. Not to mention trips to Kew Gardens, and the carers' social events. This is all very satisfying and compensates well.

I can have a different problem, of just doing too much - sometimes I need to slow down, and find more time for gardening, housework and washing my hair!

Liz Searle

17/5/2013 05:33:06 am

We care for our disabled 15 year old son and my husbands 80 year old mother who has dementia. I work 4 days per week and my husband works full time. Work is our escape from caring while they are at school or day centres. So we just swap one stress for another but its different. Our only way to destress is to get away altogether, which together we rarely do. When we take our son to Budapest for therapy we have 6 hours a day to ourselves and we look forward to those times, in fact that is what keeps us going. Getting to bed early everynight also helps you cope with stress.

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Call for routine screening of carers for signs of depression

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