As the BLF Family, friends and carers project development officer, I was pleased to read at the weekend that doctors are being encouraged to screen carers for depression.
Looking after someone with a chronic condition can take its toll on your physical and mental health; but few people either seek help or are being signposted to the appropriate support.
The BLF's booklet 'Looking after someone with a lung condition' provides information not only about supporting your loved one but about making sure you look after your own health.
I think if the carer is close to you, a family member or friend, it can be far worse on them than it is on yourself because you are resigned to your fate in a way and tend not to think about it at length, yes, us sufferers get depressed with our lot, but I believe it's harder on those who love you watching your health decline.
Great idea, but I think it should go a bit further. I believe that everyone who is a known carer should have be flagged on their GP patient lists, so what ever ailment they go to see a GP with it is known that they are carers. I say this because my husband has struggled with a difficult back problem for 12 months now, and as my carer his ill health has had a profound effect on me too. And it was only when I highlighted with my GP the problems it was causing us as a couple did things be taken a bit more seriously. Any health problems or physical should be taken seriously regardless whether your a carer or not, but telling a patient to rest and take life easier is impossible when you are a carer with no outside support.
I agree that carers should be flagged on the GP patient list, as I have a few pain issues myself , as well as looking after my husband who has C.O.P.D.
What a brilliant idea Daxi. Simple, effective and costs nothing. Just what the NHS needs. Nah, it will never be taken up, Mr Greedy can't make a profit on it.
Love from Bobby xx
Good idea Daxi. I went through something similar with my son. Thanks for the post Katie Julie x x
When I was under Torbay Hospital's care back in the mid nineties plus the THORT team (Torbay Hospital Out Reach Team),apart from looking after me also gave a lot of consideration to my wife(care)This really helped ease any pressure on her.It should be there long term for all carers
I am a carer and have suffered with a very bad back for years. I do think it is worse now and any stress goes straight to my lower back. I think Daxi has highlighted a very good idea as I do tend to brush aside my health problems and I do get told off by Pete and family but to no avail really. I suppose I have the mindset that my problems are not really taken seriously by our GP but so long as Pete's are, then it is ok. Thinking of cares everywhere. xxxxxx
I am a new member. Thanks to the blf and breatheasy group, I understand my husbands illness a bit better now. I am his carer, and it can be a bit tiring, but that is what I am there for.
Thanks for sharing your story. It's wonderful that BLF and Breathe Easy are helping you understand your husband's condition. It is tiring being a carer, so please try to take some time for you. Call the Helpline too to discuss Carers Assessments and what benefits you might be entitled to: 03000 030 555
Also look at the webpage or order the booklet to find out more about how to look after your husband and yourself:
This is an excellent idea, unfortunately for us it would not work as we have a GP who firmly believes that his first question must be "what is it that is troubling you", everything to him is related to depression - hubby's high blood pressure, my arthritis and so on
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Holes in your lung WE know it's called emphysema but how are the Holes in my lungs made / Not for those with weak constitution 
Do you look after someone with a lung condition?
