Well-Being
Mental Health as a Carer
Looking after yourself while you care for others.
When you spend your time supporting someone else, it is easy to forget about your own needs. Learning how to manage your own mental health isn't "selfish"—it’s what allows you to keep going. You deserve support just as much as the person you are helping.
The Bright Side of Caring
Supporting someone can be a really positive experience. Many autistic carers find that:
- You discover your own strengths: You might realize you are better at solving problems or staying calm in a crisis than you thought.
- You help others understand: By supporting someone, you might help the world better understand a specific condition or disability.
- Closer bonds: It can bring you closer to your friends, family, or the person you are caring for.
- Confidence boost: You might feel more sure of yourself when talking to doctors, teachers, or neighbors.
When Things Feel Heavy
Even if you love the person you're supporting, caring is hard work. It can affect your mental health in ways that are important to notice:
- Stress and Worry: It’s hard to "switch off" when you're always thinking about the future. Over time, this constant worry can lead to burnout.
- Anxiety: You might feel a "tight" or nervous feeling all the time. If this feeling gets too big, it can stop you from enjoying your own life.
- Feeling Alone (Isolation): You might have less time for your hobbies or seeing friends. If you’ve had to stop working, you might miss your coworkers. It can feel like other people just don't "get it."
- No Time for "Me": You might feel like your own health (eating well, moving your body, or relaxing) has been pushed to the bottom of the list.
- Money Stress: Extra costs for travel or equipment can be a huge weight, especially if you’ve had to work fewer hours to be a carer.
- Lack of Sleep: If you’re up at night helping someone, or just too worried to sleep, it makes everything else feel ten times harder.
- Big Emotions (Guilt and Anger): You might feel frustrated that your life has changed so much. Sometimes that anger comes out at the person you care for, which can lead to feeling guilty. These are very common feelings and they don't make you a bad person.
- Low Self-Esteem: You might start to feel like "the carer" is the only thing you are. If you stop doing the things you're good at, you might lose confidence in yourself.
- Depression: All these challenges can lead to feeling very low or hopeless. Some people try to cope by using alcohol or changing how they eat, but if you ever feel like hurting yourself, please reach out for help right away.
Tips for Staying Balanced
- Schedule "Stimming" or Sensory Breaks: If caring is sensory-heavy, make sure you have 15 minutes a day in a dark, quiet room to reset.
- Ask for Help: Look into "Respite Care"—this is when someone else steps in for a bit so you can have a true break.
- Find Your Tribe: Connect with other autistic carers who understand exactly what you're going through.
Need support for your family?
Reach out and we will help you find the right guidance for you or the people you care for.