Health & Wellbeing

Caring for someone can be rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Many carers focus entirely on the person they support and overlook their own health, sleep, social life, and wellbeing. Over time, this can lead to stress, exhaustion, isolation, or burnout.

Looking after your own wellbeing is not selfish, it is essential. When carers are supported, rested, and informed, they are better able to continue caring safely and sustainably.

This section explains the types of health and wellbeing support available to carers, including breaks from caring, emotional support, peer networks, and practical strategies for maintaining balance.

If you ever feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or at crisis point, seek support early. Help is available.

Respite Breaks

Respite means taking a break from your caring role. Breaks can be short or extended, planned or emergency-based. They are designed to give you time to rest, attend appointments, spend time with family or friends, or simply recharge.

Respite breaks may include:

  • Short-term replacement care in the home
  • Day services for the person you support
  • Residential short breaks
  • Direct payments to arrange flexible support
  • Community-based schemes or “Take a Break” services
  • Support from friends or family members funded through agreed arrangements

Respite can sometimes be arranged following a carers assessment or as part of the support plan for the person you care for but many carers wait too long before asking for a break. Regular breaks can prevent crisis situations and protect your long-term wellbeing.

Next step: Request a carers assessment to explore respite options available in your area.

Emotional and Mental Health Support

Caring can bring feelings of pride and closeness, but it can also lead to stress, anxiety, loneliness, frustration, and guilt. Some carers experience sleep disruption, depression, or emotional exhaustion.

Support is available in a number of ways:

  • Carer’s Assessment
  • GP wellbeing checks and referrals
  • Carer-specific mental health support
  • Talking therapies and counselling services
  • Crisis support services
  • Online self-help tools

It is important to seek support early rather than waiting until you feel unable to cope. Talking to someone outside your immediate situation can make a significant difference. If you are registered as a carer with your GP, you may be offered additional health checks or flexible appointment arrangements.

Next step: Speak to your GP, contact a carers organisation, or explore local mental health services.

Peer Support Groups

Many carers say that speaking to someone who understands their experience is one of the most valuable forms of support.

Peer support groups provide:

  • A safe space to share experiences
  • Practical advice from others in similar situations
  • Reduced isolation
  • Emotional reassurance
  • Information about local services

These groups may be face-to-face in community settings, online via video meetings or social media groups.

Many are condition-specific (for example dementia or autism support groups) and some carers groups are sub-groups of more formal partnership’s boards (for example Learning Disability Partnership). Here are some of the key co-production partnerships or groups currently operating in Hampshire.

You do not need to be in crisis to be part of a peer support group. Some carers attend simply to stay connected and informed.

Next step: Browse the support directory to find groups near you or online options that fit your schedule.

Balancing Care with Self-Care

When caring becomes part of everyday life, it is easy to lose sight of your own needs. Self-care does not mean luxury – it means protecting your health, relationships, and identity outside your caring role.

Practical steps may include:

  • Scheduling regular short breaks
  • Maintaining contact with friends and family
  • Asking for help before reaching crisis
  • Setting realistic boundaries
  • Discussing flexible working options if employed
  • Accessing training to feel more confident in your role

It is also important to remember that there is no legal obligation to provide care if you are unable to continue. If caring is affecting your health or safety, you have the right to discuss alternative support arrangements.

Caring is one part of your life — it should not be the only part.

Next step: Consider what one small change could improve your wellbeing this week and explore what support might help make that possible.