Stress Awareness Month – managing caregiver stress
At Birchwood Care Services, we see firsthand the compassion, strength, and dedication our carers bring to their roles each day.
Caring is more than a job, it’s a passion. But while carers are busy supporting others, it’s a little too easy for their wellbeing to slip down the priority list.
This April, as we recognise Stress Awareness Month, we want to shine a light on something essential because carers need care too.
Caring for others can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with emotional and physical challenges. Long hours, emotional strain, and the deep sense of responsibility can take their toll over time.
It’s not uncommon for carers to experience signs of stress such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, irritability, or feeling overwhelmed. If left unaddressed, stress can lead to burnout.
Research by the Mental Health Foundation indicates that 71% of carers suffer from poor physical or mental health, with 84% feeling more stressed, 78% more anxious, and 55% experiencing depression due to their caregiving responsibilities.
Spotting and managing stress
Stress doesn’t always announce itself – it often creeps in quietly. That’s why it’s essential for carers to regularly check in with themselves and each other.
Early signs might include constant tiredness despite rest, emotional exhaustion or disconnection, trouble focusing or making decisions, and physical symptoms like headaches or muscle tension.
Recognising these signs early is the first step towards regaining balance.
Simple strategies like taking regular breaks, staying hydrated, eating nourishing meals, talking openly with a colleague or friend, moving your body through a walk or gentle stretch, and practising mindfulness or relaxation techniques, even for just five minutes a day, can make a big difference and help reduce stress and support overall wellbeing.
We’re committed to supporting our team as much as they support our clients. We encourage open conversations, regular check-ins with management, and a workplace culture where it’s okay to ask for help. We prioritise mental well-being by ensuring our carers feel seen, heard, and supported, recognising how essential this is.
We believe that even small acts of self-care can make a big difference. We offer an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support our carers, because we understand that life can be challenging. We’ve partnered with Bupa’s EAP to provide 24/7 confidential support for mental health, financial advice, family matters, and more. This Stress Awareness Month, let’s remember caring for others begins with caring for ourselves. To all our carers, your wellbeing matters. You are valued, and you are not alone. You can learn more about Stress Awareness Month here.
