Self-care is not selfish
People supporting someone experiencing mental distress may face emotional and physical consequences. It is common to feel overwhelmed,stressed and isolated as well as experiencing feelings of grief and loss.
To support a person requires patience, concentration, staying calm and remaining open minded. This will be difficult if you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed yourself.
Some practical self-care tips:
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As a support person/carer - maintain and increase your support network through current friendships, support groups or online forums of people in similar situations
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Maintain and establish activities and hobbies away from the person you are supporting
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Find relaxation techniques that work for you and do them even when you don't think you need to, for example meditation, Mindfulness practice, yoga, listening to music, spending time outside etc.
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Eating well & exercising is important for your personal wellbeing
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Get informed- find out all you can about the condition that the person you are caring for is experiencing
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Share the load- get a team of people involved in the supporting role- makes for a strong foundation of support
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Set clear boundaries that both of you understand and agree to
Check out these links to get you started: