Mental health support for carers
Caring for a friend or family member can be rewarding, but it can also be incredibly emotionally and physically demanding. When we’re constantly focused on someone else’s needs, it’s easy to let ours take a back seat. But looking after our mental health isn’t just important - it’s essential.
When we don’t, stress can build up - leading to burnout, anxiety, depression, and even serious physical health problems. While it can just feel like yet another thing to add to the list, taking care of our minds helps us in so many ways. When our minds are healthy, we will feel stronger, more resilient, and better able to cope with the challenges that can come with looking after someone.
A study on unpaid carers in the UK found that those of us looking after someone are at higher risk of experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression than those who don’t. With further research showing a third of carers with poor mental health have considered suicide or self-harm.
“Caring can be very demanding, and sometimes isolating. Even a mentally well person can develop problems, and early intervention and support can greatly influence that and stop it becoming more serious.” A carer from the community
It’s so important to remember that seeking support isn’t a sign of weakness. If anything, it shows how strong we really are.
This page is designed to help us find the right support at the right time, whether we need a quick mood boost, practical wellbeing advice, help for maintaining our mental health, or where to turn in a crisis.
Find the support that’s right for you
Looking after ourselves physically, like getting a good night’s sleep, finding time for exercise, or eating the right food, can all make a difference to our wellbeing. But there’s much more we can do to keep our minds strong and healthy. Or to unpick trauma or grief that might be weighing us down.
“Anyone can have mental health problems, and they don’t need to be crippling to be a problem. And there are all sorts and any type of problem can affect a person in a very individual way.”
- A carer from the community
While it can be challenging to prioritise, taking care of our minds helps not only us, but the person we care for. Our resilience to deal with the bad and capacity to adapt with changes gets stronger. As does our ability to have more control on how we react - such as choosing empathy over anger.
There’s a lot of support out there, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. To make it easier to navigate, topics are grouped into sections based on how we might be feeling. Simply click on the scenario that best matches what you need right now.
I’m here for:
-
A quick pick-me-up: Small things that can help me feel lighter
-
Reassurance that I’m not alone: I want to read stories of how others looking after someone have protected their mental health
-
Activities to improve my mood: Ways to use creativity, movement, or time outside to take care of myself
-
Support with maintaining my mood and wellbeing: A range of resources to help take care of our minds
-
Support with my mental health: Guidance for managing big feelings and difficult emotions
For those of us who prefer video content, there is a Mobilise wellbeing playlist on YouTube we might want to pop on.
I need a quick pick-me-up
Sometimes, small things can lift our mood and help us mentally reset. Finding joy in everyday moments, taking breaks, and reading uplifting content can make a real difference. Giving us the needed oomph to carry back on with our day.
These resources offer a light uplift:
I want to feel less alone
Hearing from others looking after a family member or friend can remind us that we are not alone in how we feel. Bringing comfort and validation, helping us feel more connected and understood.
Here are some stories from carers in the Mobilise community who have been working to prioritise their mental health:
I’m looking for activities to improve my mood
Engaging in creativity, moving our bodies, practicing wellbeing activities, or spending time in nature can all really make a difference to how we feel. Choosing a positive activity over time in front of the TV (which can also be needed sometimes) helps to recharge our minds - bringing both relaxation and a sense of purpose and control.
Having a hobby or spending time outdoors can also help us to feel like there is more to our lives than looking after someone.
Activities to try for balance or a boost:
I need help maintaining my mood and wellbeing
Caring can be emotionally draining, making it important to prioritise self-care. Finding ways to practice mental tools such as building resilience, setting boundaries, or working on a positive mindset are all building blocks that add to our overall wellbeing.
Helping us feel more balanced, confident, and in control, even during the tough times.
Here are some ideas to help us find more calm, confidence, and balance in our day-to-day lives:
I need support with my mental health
Sometimes we might not realise that there are big feelings or experiences we carry around that are keeping us stuck, angry, or exhausted. Managing difficult emotions can feel overwhelming, but there is support available. While it’s not easy, acknowledging feelings such as guilt, anxiety, or loneliness can be the first step toward finding help or solutions.
Resources to help deal with bigger feelings and mental health challenges:
I’m in crisis - where can I turn?
If things feel too much right now, please know that help is out there - you’re not alone.
While it can feel really difficult to ask for help, reaching out for support can be lifesaving.
For urgent help for mental health call the NHS on 111, and select option 2 - available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or we can contact 111 online.
These resources provide further guidance for getting help from professionals:
Support for specific scenarios
Different caring roles bring different challenges. For example, male carers may experience unique pressures, looking after our child can come with a lot of emotional trauma, and cultural expectations can add a lot of pressure.
Resources for support with specific caring situations:
Taking the next step
We deserve to look after our wellbeing just as much as the person we care for. Even the smallest step - book marking this page, reading one article, taking a deep breath, or pausing for a moment can make a difference.
If we are on this page the chances are we know we need to find ways to do more to look after ourselves. What one small step are we going to take next?
One of the biggest ways to protect our mental health is through connection. Whether that’s leaning on friends, talking to a professional, or finding support from those who truly understand.
We don’t have to cope with this alone. To share thoughts and feelings with others who are in similar shoes we can visit the Mobilise Hub - a free community welcome to all unpaid carers in the UK.
If caring feels really heavy and we need a break we might want to consider looking into what respite options are available. Or completing carers and care needs assessments to see what extra support we might be able to get some our local services. If we feel like we are unable to keep looking after someone, it can be helpful to remember that by law we have the right to choose not to.
.png)
If there are gaps in the content that you think would help, please let us know. We are always working to make this space as helpful and supportive as possible.