A carer from Bourne says more needs to be in place to support carers

A carer from Bourne says not being able to have a break from caring impacts his mental health.

It's as carers' mental health has worsened, according to a survey from the charity Carers UK.

The results of its latest polling of more than 12,000 carers across the UK suggested that an increasing number of those who look after a disabled, older or sick relative are suffering poor mental health because they are not getting sufficient breaks.

57% of those who responded to the survey said they feel overwhelmed "often" or "always".

More than a third of carers who completed the survey said they had bad or very bad mental health.

This was an increase from just over a quarter the previous year.

I probably take it out on the other half, which is hard

Damien Wells, who cares for his wife, said:

"I don't go away on my own, and if I do go away, I'm with my other half, and I'm still doing stuff when I'm away."

"It is different, and it's still a struggle because you're having to look after them, make sure they're taking their tablets, and that they're okay."

"I probably take it out on the other half, which is hard."

"It's a weird feeling. I just feel tired and down, and sometimes I might feel so low, and I say to my wife, I just need some time."

"If I didn't have that time, I'd struggle a lot more mentally and forever be depressed."

It's still a struggle because you're having to look after them, make sure they're taking their tablets, and that they're okay

The survey found that more support with health and wellbeing was the top need cited by carers, with two thirds mentioning this.

Not having the opportunity to take a break from caring was the biggest reason carers gave for feeling overwhelmed, with 65% stating this to be the case.

Almost half of carers said they needed more breaks or time off from caring, while 54% said being able to have regular breaks from caring would be a challenge for them in the coming year.

Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, said:

"Unpaid carers are under immense pressure. Many tell us that their world has shrunk, that they feel isolated and alone in their caring role."

"Breaks are essential for carers, enabling them to focus on their own health, needs and interests."

"An increasing demand for social care services, together with a lack of funding for social care means that, all too often, replacement care and respite services are not available when carers need them."

"Far too many carers are not receiving adequate support, resulting in poor mental health and burnout."

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