You Matter Too: Tips for Supporting Your Mental Health
May is National Caregiver Month and May 5th to 11th is Mental Health Week – two important recognition periods that provide an opportunity to talk about caregiver mental health.
Every day, millions of unpaid family caregivers provide essential physical and emotional support to family members, friends, and neighbours who live with disabilities, chronic illnesses and more.
Their efforts are not without consequences. Not only do almost three quarters say they feel so burnt out they don’t know if they can continue in their role, many are worried about their own mental health.
The OCO provides resources, tools, and a community of other caregivers that can help you navigate your caregiving journey and support you in taking small steps toward supporting your mental health.
Here are a few tips to get started:
- Take regular breaks: Even just a few minutes of downtime can help reset your mind and reduce stress.
- Practice self-compassion: Remind yourself that it’s okay not to be perfect. Caregiving is a big responsibility, and caring for yourself is just as important as caring for others.
- Connect with a caregiver support group: Sharing your experiences with others can help with feelings of isolation or loneliness.
OCO’s Helpline can assist: Look for resources in your community that can support you and the person you care for and get connected with OCO programs that are right for you,
OCO also offers webinars, online tools, and one-to-one support through the Caregiver Coaching Program. This free program connects caregivers with trained coaches who can help you build coping strategies, reduce stress, and improve your emotional well-being.
Mental Health Week and National Caregiver Month are timely reminders that your mental health is vital to both your well-being and your ability to care for others.