Mentally drained

[Illberidingshotgun]

I’ve been giving my sister a huge amount of support with her depression and anxiety, but now I feel like it’s affecting my own mental health too. I’m not blaming her, or complaining. I just feel so mentally drained. I also feel like there’s such a lack of support for families that support someone with severe depression. It really is a full time job on top of my full time job. Does anyone know of any support available? I have tried counselling but I don’t like doing it over the phone and nowhere local to me is doing face to face at the moment.

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer]

Hi there. You’re so right. Mental health in general is still too often marginalized and minimized in this country. What’s overlooked even more is the impact of mental illness on those who are caring for and supporting those directly affected (often family members). I’ve seen first hand the toll that can take from those who have helped me get through depressive episodes. No matter how much you love someone being a caretaker can leave you mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted. My suggestion is that you contact NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org). They focus on needs of the families of those with the illness. You have to take care of yourself In order to help someone else. Let us know if NAMI helps. Wishing you the best in caring for your sister. She is very fortunate to have you in her life.

[lillyofthevalley37]

You need some " me time " carers get 2 hours off a day or I did when I was doing care work , you need to switch off from your sisters problems your sister will be no worse off for it

[Celtic27]

Hi there your sister is very lucky to have you to help her! I my self has a sister who is amazing the amount of time she has put into helping me I like you worried it would help her but I found out she had been suffering with depression and anxiety for years I'm indebted to her! If you think it would help push your doctor for specialist help don't delay asking for help! You in the mean time might try self hypnosis look it up on goggle it relaxes go give it a try! Good luck