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Permalink Reply by Jane Wainwright on December 20, 2011 at 17:57

No I don't think it is possible to care without experiencing stress, carers have such a hard job not made any easier by some government bodies that stress is inevitable

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Permalink Reply by Jenny Smedley on December 20, 2011 at 18:34

Everyone's circumstances are different.  When I first became a full-time carer, I experienced considerable stress.  With help, from a variety of sources, most in the third sector, I have been able to reduce stress levels quite a lot.  However, I do not think caring can be stress free.  I have not found public bodies especially helpful. 

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Permalink Reply by Karen Young on December 20, 2011 at 21:37

In my opinion caring and high stress levels go hand in hand, there is very little information made readily available by the professional bodies, we have to find everything out the hard way.

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Permalink Reply by Sue Cuomo on December 21, 2011 at 12:12

Stress and Caring go hand in hand, show me a Carer and I'll show you one stressed out individual ! But it needn't be like that if we got the help and support from the Government bodies that are there for the purpose.

 

As it is we have to find ways of managing the stress for ourselves either through websites like this or other forums related to our Carees condition. Perhaps more education/information for GP's would be a good place to start ?

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Permalink Reply by Jean Milne on December 22, 2011 at 13:52

By it's nature, caring itself is stressful. But the biggest cause of stress come from the Government departments that are supposed to be there to help and that one there is not a lot you can do about.

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Permalink Reply by Steven McIntosh on January 6, 2012 at 14:46

A survey Carers UK did for Carers Week a few years ago on stress and health showed that 74% had been pushed to breaking point. The most common contributing factor that carers mentioned? Frustration with bureaucracy!

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Permalink Reply by Sam Cowley on January 30, 2012 at 15:53

Interesting story about stress and depression on the BBC today. Scientists suggest that some people may be more resistant to stress and depression than others. They call this 'resilience' and suggest it comes from a mix of things including our genes, our chemistry, the wiring of our brains and our life experiences.

What do you guys think about this? It would suggest that someone who is naturally 'resilient' would be better able to cope with the strains of caring. But do you think that caring for your loved one has made you more resilient to stress over time?

Sam

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Permalink Reply by Ruth Archer on January 30, 2012 at 18:55

Of course we are all different and as carers we find ourselves coping with a variety of problems but I think isolation and the pressure of having to deal with difficult situations on one's own, can certainly lead to stress.  I am fortunate because my husband and I share our duties as carers and of course always have each other to rely on.  

Knowing support is available, whether practically or emotionally, is invaluable.  Practical support is of course the ideal but to have someone on the end of a phone line or on a forum such as this can lessen that feeling of isolation.

Having to cope alone can also contribute to feelings of depression.  It is known that exercise or just getting out and about can be healing but this form of self-help isn't generally available to carers because their time and energy all goes on helping someone else.

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Permalink Reply by Frances Ockford on January 31, 2012 at 14:31

No, it is hard.. I care for someone and have had  flu for past 3 weeks.. and it is very stressful.

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Permalink Reply by Sam Cowley on January 31, 2012 at 14:44

Hi Frances,

That sounds like a very tough situation to be in.

How do you get yourself through such high levels of stress?

I hope you feel better soon.

Sam

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Permalink Reply by Sam Cowley on January 31, 2012 at 14:56

Hi Ruth,

I think many of the current members of this forum, heard about Carewell through Carers UK, but it is worth mentioning for those who may have come from elsewhere.

The Carers UK forum seems to be a very good place for the sort of emotional support and escape from isolation you talk about. 

The problem of fitting exercise around caring would be a good discussion to have here.

Best wishes,

Sam

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Permalink Reply by Mazza on January 31, 2012 at 20:24

I think it's important to be aware of the fact that caring is stressful & then to prepare if you can in advance for stressful situations. For example if I have a busy week coming up with appointments for the person I care for I don't take anything else on. I have had to say no to people so I don't over burden myself. Of course I am not saying this works perfectly all the time but it does help to be prepared.

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