Please note, the above is a link to an article on the internet and it is not something I have written. I take no responsibility for the content, other than to say I felt it worth sharing as information that may be helpful for carers.
Also, this article may only be available for as long as the host decides to keep it online.
In the event the article is not available, there are other resources that explain the benefits of registering as a carer with your GP.
Yes. I don’t know why no one told you because you were a carer for a long time and unless I am mistaken, you started off as a young carer? Things are improving, ever so slightly and there is much more to be done both for carers and the cared-for.
Regardless, you did a wonderful job caring for your Mum and you fought many battles, very bravely and for that you should be proud
@ManjiB , frankly, I don’t get it either. I was neither told or made aware of it. Your right though compared to 30+yrs ago when I started as a young carer, things have improved. But as you said, lots more need to be done. What would be great is for the NHS, GPs to work with carers not just to provide healthcare but to help with peoples mental health. Also for political parties/governments to stop treating us like we carers are a waste of space and to put policies in place to protect and help us, not to hinder us. The “care system” has worked against many people who do what I did. I wonder how many have been let down by it? As I said, it’s too late for me but, not for current and new carers. Thank you for your compliments but, I’m now physically and mentally wiped out. I’ve had 2 mental breakdowns in 6 weeks. Even thought I’ve fought those battles, the system made sure I lost. Anyway, I hope others get the help needed. Thank for your kind words.
JohnnyBoy - I am so sorry you are now physically and mentally wiped out. Whilst I’d like to think I understand why and how this might be the case, I guess I will never truly know since I can’t begin to imagine what you have been through with very little if any support throughout your time as carer for your Mum.
I don’t want to start guessing though I suspect this might be part of the grieving process for the loss of your dear Mum.
I’d like to make a suggestion and and if you have already done this then no matter, just do it again. You have been through a lot whilst you were a carer, and now that you are no longer a carer should not mean you should be left to cope on your own. My suggestion is you seek help. Go to the GP or find someone else you can talk to - I am thinking about grievance counselling. There is stuff out there and I am no expert but start with the GP or ring 111 and seek grievance counselling advice.
Have you seen anyone or rather who is helping you with your mental breakdowns?
Please continue to euse this forum and stay strong.
You haven’t lost JohnnyBoy - the system has failed you but you have not lost. Don’t think like that, the system has failed you through ignorance - it didn’t set out to make sure you lose. You may feel like that, but I would like to suggest you have been [very] unlucky and you may have fallen through the system but please don’t think you were targeted.
The others will get help - because of what people like you have done but you also need help. You can’t quit now after all you have done and achieved.
Where’s that Irish spirit? And what would your Mum think if she was reading your post !!
@ManjiB , don’t worry, I’ll be using this forum for some time to come. I won’t be going anywhere for now. I’m awaiting (still) to start mental therapy. When that’ll be, I don’t know. I’ll look at grievance counselling when I get chance. I’m up to my eyes with other matters at the moment. I’ll speak to my GP again soon. I’m due for another check up anyway. I’ll seek out extra mental therapy when I get chance. My spirit may have faded a little but, I don’t intend to give up. For now, I need R&R. thank for your kind words.
