Being a carer is a very lonely experience. Anyone else out there?

Yes, I’ve been a carer for the last 12 years and its hard work.

Too often, people and their families living with mental illness feel they are alone in their efforts.  It is a sad fact that too little attention is being given to helping people with mental health problems.

Often families are the only providers of care, support and shelter.  Without this care, the situation for people with mental disorders would be even more desperate than it already is; yet there is little acknowledgment of this role, nor any practical support for families.

i strongly agree with this point made, Caring for people has little acknowledgement,

i myself have help many people, from friends to my friends friends i don’t 100% know, yet ive never had any recognition or “rewards” so to speak. by rewards i mean respect or even help if i ever need it, im usually left to help myself. sometimes it can be difficult but i know i have to pull through to continue caring for others

I heard on the news a couple of months ago about how what they (politicians) called “volunteer carers” (like family members, friends etc.) saved the government literally billions of pounds a year and how they were going to start providing more help (financially as well as other kinds of support) for these carers, but since then I haven’t heard much about it. Unfortunately, I guess the government has been distracted by the economic problems. I’m sure they see that paying attention to the economy they helped destory will help win them more votes!

Bren

One thing I’d like to know is where these billions came from to bail the banks out?  Some of that should have gone to NHS and charities that support people who are ill.  It’s sickening, literally, that people should suffer more than they already are because of greed.
Anyway, rant over!

When I was doing my open university course I found out people could apply for an informal carers allowance is that still the case. I did an OU course in health and social care in 1999 and they said you could claim, then. When my mother in law looked after granny 94yrs 5 years ago, i told her, and she got anallowance. I think you are all WONDERFUL because I wouldn’t know where to start if I was a carer. I am too selfish XxChloe

Can somebody give some caring advice to tulytops her post reads as follows - need a bit of help please - tulytops

Hi, need some advice please. My husband has diagnosed with depression. he is on alot of pills olanzapine, trazadone, diazapan, he is also off work and attending cbt and other stuff 4 days a week. we hae only been married 6 months and have 5 kids. I’m finding life very hard and dont know how to cope. He is very critical, blames me for alot of things and cries often. I love him very much but it is getting very hard. He goes out or spends most of his time alone in his room. I feel like my husband has died and all that is left is a smoking miserable man who makes me cry and blames me or the kids for how he feels. This all sounds very selfish of me cos i know hes very poorly. He doesnt like me to text or call friends as it makes him paranoid so i feel very lonely. I only get a break at work as i work for two hours a day in a school. Can anyone please give me some advice?

I know we can all pull together and help her out here XxCHloe

yes,
Of course .
i m starting my carer few month ago. but it is not more hard.

Regards,

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Your wonderful and we are here for you Xx Carers are saints Xx

Hello Xx When I was lonely, seriously lonely I told myself it wouldn’t be for long because 9 times out of 10 that was usually the case I wasn’t on my own. I usually felt really sad when I felt lonely, telling myself to enjoy the me time and tell myself soon something wonderful would happen made me know it was on its way and not to worry. Guess what somebody was always around the corner. Single people can have lots of fun because they have the freedom Xxx enjoy it while it lasts you won’t be lonely for long XxChloe

Yes, I also feel lonely.

Hello Brane, feeling lonely is terrible but I’m pleased you’ve found us.  Welcome to the site.  There are lots of wonderful people on here who listen, respond and support each other.  You can take or give as much or as little as you feel comfortable doing.  I am sure that you won’t feel as alone on here.  I do hope you’re feeling better than you did earlier.  Is there a particular reason you know for feeling so lonely?  You’ve responded on the carer’s forum.  Do you mind me asking if that means that you are a carer?  Thinking of you.  Best wishes, Helen

Helen

My very good friend, how are you?

I have bean in touch with the british legion. They are looking at some more funding.

Bed cost 262.98, which I think is a good price. I then need to then get an ariel for my roof, cost 100.

Helen just small things would make my life a little better. I have my friends on this site as this makes me so happy to know you all.

I would really like to meet you in person and say thank you.

Paul x