Recognising when you are a carer
Recognising yourself as a carer can be a powerful and emotional step. Many people who support someone – whether a partner, parent, child, friend, or neighbour – don’t immediately see their role as “caregiving,” even though the work they do is exactly that.
You might not see yourself as a carer, but if you regularly support someone without being paid because they are frail, have a physical or mental illness, addiction or disability, then you are a carer. Many people don’t recognise this role, as they feel they are simply helping a family member, friend or neighbour.
Acknowledging that you are a carer can help you to: access support services, seek financial benefits or allowances, speak to employers about flexibility, reduce feelings of isolation, understand your rights and to accept that any emotional and physical exhaustion is valid.
These are some of the signs that you might be a carer even if you don’t call yourself one;
- You worry about leaving the person alone
- You organise appointments or medication
- You feel responsible for their wellbeing
- You adjust your work or personal life around their needs
- You put your own health or needs second
There is an emotional side to caring and many carers tell us that they sometimes feel guilty, inadequate, sad, and overwhelmed. All these emotions are normal. You may also feel relief to realise that it is normal to feel this way.
Recognising you are a carer and asking for help can support you to understand your role more clearly, explore what caring looks like for you, identify support services for you, and talk through any emotions or uncertainties you’re experiencing.
