Tips for Carers with Stress
You are a carer if you provide support to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour who could not manage without your help. This could be due to age, physical or mental illness, substance misuse or disability.
When you are a carer, stress is often part of your life. Extra responsibilities, worrying about the person you care for and having to be around to help them at any time can all increase your levels of stress.
There is support available to help you to look after yourself. You could start by contacting:
- Your GP – let them know you are a carer and explain how you feel.
- Carers in Hertfordshire – An organisation of carers that can help you with your caring role and offer support.
You could also try some of the following suggestions which other carers have found helpful:
- Try to take time to talk to friends or support groups.
- Try and get active, in the fresh air as often as you can.
- Recognise when you feel tense and try to relax your muscles.
- Try to pace yourself and tackle one thing at a time.
- Write about the stress, note down your feelings.
- See what practical help is available.
Organisations who offer information, advice and support to carers:
HertsHelp
Tel: 0300 1234 044 (local rate)
Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm and Thursday 5pm – 7pm.
Website: www.hertsdirect.org/hertshelp
By email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Carers in Hertfordshire
Tel: 01992 586969
Website: www.carersinherts.org.uk
By email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Crossroads Care Hertfordshire (North)
Tel: 01462 455578
Crossroads Care Hertfordshire (South)
Tel: 0208 905 1158
Age UK Hertfordshire
Tel: 01707 323272
Hertfordshire County Council
Health and Community Services
Tel: 0300 123 4042
Website: www.hertdirect.org/carers
Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Mental Health our of hours helpline
Tel: 01438 843322.
