Taking care of yourself

Even if you are happy to be a carer, it can be a very hard job. 

It’s not unusual for carers to become tired and stressed, especially if they are putting their own needs second.

Here are some tips to help you stay well when you are caring:

 

Get organised 

Life can suddenly become very busy when a loved one becomes sick. 

• Make lists so you know what needs to be done and can ask other people to take on certain jobs.
• Have regular family meetings so that everyone knows what’s happening and is working together. You could also ask the medical social worker at the hospital for advice about family meetings.

Know your limits 

Don’t feel you have to do everything on your own – it's ok to ask for help. 

• Make sure the work of caring is shared out fairly. 
• Even if you feel you are coping well, it’s still a good idea to share out the work from the start, so that you don’t get worn out and you get to have a little time to yourself. 
• If you don’t have other people to help, talk to your GP or the medical social worker at the hospital to see if any help is available.

Look after yourself 

When someone you care about is unwell, all your attention may be on them. But it’s important to remember to look after your own health and wellbeing, so that you can cope with the demands of being a carer.

Staying healthy

• Eat well Eat a variety of foods including plenty of fruit and vegetables. 
• Get enough sleep Take naps if you’re tired or ask someone to give you a break at night if you need it. 
• Take some exercise A 30-minute walk can boost your energy, lift your mood, keep you fit and give you a break from caring. 
• Avoid using alcohol or drugs as a way to relax It is best to avoid alcohol and drugs as they can lead to poor-quality sleep, anxiety and general unwellness the next day. If you are on medication for anxiety or sleeping difficulties, stick to the prescribed dose. Talk to your GP if you feel these are not working for your. Contact your local cancer support centre for courses on relaxation.
• Manage stress Try healthy ways such as exercising, sharing your feelings or complementary therapies like mindfulness or meditation. 
• Get health problems checked out early If you are very busy and don't have much chance to leave the house, you may be tempted to ignore your own health problems. But if you feel unwell or feel you're not coping it’s important to go to the GP and get things sorted sooner rather than later.
• Protect yourself from injuries, for example when lifting or moving the patient.

Watch out for warning signs 

Watch out for your physical or mental health.

If you are feeling tired or unwell, not sleeping well, losing your appetite or if you are tearful or angry or finding it hard to cope, tell someone and get some support sooner rather than later. Talk to a friend or family member, or go to your GP. 

Take time out 

It’s important to take some time away from caring, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Try to do this from the start, even if you feel you are coping ok.

For example, if you can’t leave your loved one, you could ask a neighbour to come in for half an hour every day while you go for a walk or a cup of coffee. Or just take some time out to read or watch TV.

It’s also easy to become isolated from other people so try to meet up with friends or family regularly and carry on with your hobbies or interests if you can - for your own health.

You could keep a diary about how you are feeling, or maybe try to talk to someone.

It's important to have some support to turn to when you are tired and stressed. For more on this, see getting support. Try to plan outings and meetings that don't involve discussing your loved one. It's ok to need a break.

Be kind to yourself 

Being a carer is a wonderful achievement, giving so much of yourself to help your loved one at a very difficult time in their life.

If you have a tough day, remind yourself of this. Being a carer isn’t always easy – you're doing the best you can. 

Coping with your emotions

Feeling negative emotions doesn’t mean you love the person who’s sick any less. But it’s important to recognise and manage your feelings.

Otherwise, feelings can overwhelm you and make you irritable, resentful, depressed or unwell.

• Feeling overwhelmed: Becoming a carer can be a sudden and dramatic change to your life. So it's normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Let other carers, family and friends know how you’re feeling and try to share out the role of caring fairly. 
• Guilt: You may feel guilty because you wish you didn’t have to be a carer or feel you’re not doing enough. You may even feel guilty that they got sick and not you. Many carers feel like this. Rather than focusing on these feelings, try to think about positive ways you can help and remind yourself that you’re doing your best. 
• Anger: You can be angry for many different reasons, including with the cancer itself and the changes it has brought into your life. Anger can affect your ability to think clearly. You may also be short-tempered with your loved one if things get on top of you.
• Sadness: As well as dealing with new responsibilities, you have to deal with the sad news that someone you love and care for is sick. You might also feel sad about the change in your relationship. This can be very difficult. 
• Anxiety: Carers can feel anxious for different reasons. You may feel overwhelmed at your new responsibilities or take on your loved one’s worries. If you’re finding it hard to cope with your anxiety, talk to your GP. 

Getting emotional support 

Your GP

Talk to your GP if you need support or are finding it hard to cope. As well as caring for you, they can also refer you to services that will help to support you, such as occupational therapy, public/community health nursing and palliative care.

Medical social workers

Hospital-based medical social workers help patients and their families with any psychological, emotional, social or practical difficulties during their hospital stay.

They can help with issues related to caring for a dependent relative like stress, financial worries, anger and depression, loss and bereavement, addiction, isolation, loneliness and concerns around elder and child abuse or domestic violence. 

They also give information and support to help you access other helpful services. For example, arranging home supports and nursing home care as well as supporting applications to other agencies and advocating on behalf of the patient and his/her family. 

Cancer support services

There are lots of local cancer support services that provide a range of helpful services to carers, as well as to people with cancer. For more on this, see cancer support services.

Support groups

Support groups give you the chance to get a break from caring, and meet people in a similar situation. You can give each other support, share feelings, information and advice and learn from each other’s experiences.

There are general support groups for carers as well as support groups for specific types of cancer. You might also feel supported by being part of a general social or community group, such as your local Men’s Shed, an active retirement group or a volunteer or charitable group. 

Online support

There are special websites called online communities where people with cancer and their friends and families can write questions, share stories, and give and receive advice and support. Visit www.cancer.ie/community to join the Irish Cancer Society online community.

Counselling

Sometimes it can be hard to talk to the people closest to you. A counsellor who is not involved in your situation can help you to express your feelings, worries and fears. Counselling can give you emotional support, help you to make decisions and learn ways to cope better, as well as offering you some space and time to focus on yourself. 

Some local support centres offer free one-to-one counselling for carers. There are also online counselling services.

It’s important to find a counsellor who is professionally qualified and recommended. Call our cancer nurses or ask your local cancer support centre or your medical social worker for advice and information. 

Spiritual support

For some people spiritual and religious beliefs can bring comfort and hope. Practices such as prayer or meditation may help you to focus on what has value and meaning in your life. Your local church or religious centre may also have a social or support group.