Looking after yourself when you’re a carer

It’s important to look after yourself, as well as the person you’re caring for.

It’s important to look after yourself, as well as the person you’re caring for. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, frustrated or sad you can talk to someone, take a break or make changes at home.

Talk to someone

Talking to someone can help if you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed. You can talk to:

  • your general practitioner
  • a psychologist
  • a counsellor
  • other carers 
  • a friend.

Find someone to talk to

There are free counsellors you can talk to, or you can join a peer support group. Some of these links will take you away from myGov.

Take a break

You can use respite services if you need to take a break from caring.

Respite is when someone else takes care of the person you care for. It can be:

  • provided by a family member or friend
  • in a centre
  • in a residential care facility
  • in the community.

Find out more about respite care.

Things you can do at home

There are things you can do at home to look after yourself, such as:

  • taking a break to do things you enjoy
  • going to your regular medical appointments
  • using relaxation techniques, like slow breathing and meditation 
  • regular exercise and a balanced diet.

Find out more about relaxation and healthy habits on the healthdirect website.

Other resources

Carer Gateway has information about looking after yourself, including support services for different types of carers.


Page last updated: 23 August 2023