It is not easy to achieve a good balance in life, this is usually related to work and life.
What happens when you put another element in, caring ?
I noticed that it was highlighted over the pandemic lockdowns the stress and strains having schools closed and the added pressure for parents to juggle, home school, work, and life.
The people who day-in-day out found themselves in a caring role too. Where services and rest bite suddenly stopped, or it was restricted, family members often had to step in.
You may be a parent, but also support for more senior members of the family too. Alongside work commitments this can leave little, or no time for you.
Support is here
The caring roles will not have disappeared, the pressure will not have disappeared, the work-life-caring balancing may not have improved. You do not need to manage alone it is important to seek support. There are several charities and agencies that provide practical support, it is important to check what is available in your area. There are national charities too including Carers Trust, Carers UK, Age UK, and where I am based there is Carers Support West Sussex.
Having supported and worked with carers for the last few years, counselling has been a chance to explore some of the thoughts and feelings which may not be able to be explored elsewhere. It is not unusual for someone to feel stuck, lost, or lonely as a carer. The idea of doing something for themselves may leave a guilty feeling behind which can be talked through.
Often, as someone who puts others needs before their own it can feel alien to focus on yourself. Exploring these feelings can help to let them go.
Caring for someone can take a lot of physical and mental energy. It is important to look after yourself so that you can look after others.
If you are a carer, or know someone who is, then I can give you the space and support you need to look after your own emotional wellbeing. Please get in touch to see how we can work together, [email protected]