How Can I Balance My Caring Responsibilities with My Own Wellbeing?

Caring for someone with disability, mental illness, or chronic conditions can be rewarding but demanding. Research shows that carers are two and a half times more likely to have low wellbeing compared to other Australians. The 2023 Carer Wellbeing Survey found 58.3% of carers reported low wellbeing, a significant increase from previous years. Understanding how to balance your caring responsibilities with your own health is essential for sustainable caregiving.

Things That Influence Your Wellbeing

Multiple factors affect your wellbeing as a carer. The number of hours you spend caring directly impacts your mental and physical health. Carers providing more than 40 hours of care weekly show significantly higher rates of psychological distress.

Your relationship with the person you care for matters too. The quality of this relationship has a greater impact on your experience than the actual difficulty of caring tasks. Financial stress also plays a major role, with carers 1.4 times more likely to experience significant financial distress than other Australians.

Social isolation affects over half of all carers. The 2022 National Carer Survey found that more than one in two carers felt socially isolated. This isolation can worsen when you lose touch with friends or change relationships due to your caring role.

Sleep quality significantly influences your wellbeing. Up to 75% of carers report poor sleep. Lack of rest affects your ability to cope with daily challenges and maintain emotional balance.

Recognising the Signs of Depression

Carers face higher risks of depression than the general population. Over half (55%) of carers report suffering from depression as a result of their caring role.

Watch for these warning signs:

Physical symptoms:

• Chronic fatigue or feeling run down

• Frequent colds or infections

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Persistent aches and pains

Emotional signs:

• Feeling anxious, sad, or irritable

• Experiencing mood swings

• Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless

• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed

Behavioural changes:

• Withdrawing from social activities

• Changes in sleeping patterns

• Difficulty concentrating

• Increased use of alcohol or substances

Caring-specific signs:

• Feeling resentful about your caring role

• Believing your best efforts are never enough

• Worrying constantly about the future

• Feeling guilty when taking time for yourself

If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks or interfere with daily life, seek professional help.

Practical Tips to Balance Your Wellbeing

Establish Boundaries

Set clear limits on what you can realistically manage. You cannot provide 24/7 care without consequences to your health. Create specific times when you are "off duty" and communicate these boundaries to family members.

Take Regular Breaks

Schedule daily time for yourself, even if it's just 30 minutes. Use this time for activities that restore your energy rather than complete more tasks. Taking breaks helps prevent burnout and maintains your capacity to care effectively.

Stay Active and Healthy

Maintain regular exercise, even if it's just a 10-minute walk. Physical activity reduces stress and improves mood. Eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated. When you feel overwhelmed, practice deep breathing exercises - breathe in through your nose for five seconds, then out through your mouth for five seconds.

Connect with Others

Join carer support groups through Carer Gateway. Connecting with people who understand your experience provides emotional support and practical advice. These connections reduce feelings of isolation and help you realise you're not alone.

Set Realistic Goals

Avoid overloading your daily to-do list. Focus on essential tasks and let family members help with household chores or meal preparation. Perfectionism increases stress and sets unrealistic expectations.

Practise Self-Compassion

Acknowledge that caring is difficult work. Give yourself credit every day for the support you provide. Accept that some days will be harder than others, and that's normal.

Seek Professional Help

Don't hesitate to contact your GP if you're struggling. Mental health support is available through Medicare, and your doctor can refer you to appropriate services. Early intervention prevents more serious mental health issues from developing.

Accepting Help and Using Respite Services

Many carers struggle to accept help due to guilt or feeling like they're abandoning their responsibilities. This mindset can lead to burnout and reduced quality of care for both you and the person you support.

Respite care through the NDIS provides funded short-term accommodation when you need a break. The NDIS typically funds up to 28 days of short-term accommodation per year, which you can use flexibly - as a block of up to 14 days or one weekend per month.

This support gives you time to recharge while ensuring your loved one receives quality care. Research shows that carers who access formal support services have significantly better wellbeing outcomes.

How to Get Help

Carer Gateway provides free services including counselling, peer support groups, and respite care coordination. Call 1800 422 737 to access these services.

For NDIS participants, speak with your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator about respite options. They can help you understand what funding is available and how to access it.

Infinite Disability Services (IDS) offers support and peace of mind for carers and guardians of NDIS participants. We provide short-term accommodation and support that allows you to take a break and recharge.

Respite care means taking care of the carer. Whether through family, friends, or IDS support workers, the goal is ensuring you get the rest you need to continue providing quality care.

Your wellbeing matters. Taking care of yourself isn't selfish - it's essential for sustainable caregiving. When you prioritise your health, you can provide better support for your loved one while maintaining your own quality of life.