Caring and stress
Caring and stress
- The physical and emotional demands of caring
- Lack of choice
- Conflict and frustration
- Lack of support
- Effects of stress
- Find out more
A bit of stress is normal but when stress becomes unrelenting and overwhelming it can begin to affect your health and wellbeing.
The physical and emotional demands of caring
Some carers provide 24 hour nursing aid to a family member with high care needs. Others care for people who are fairly independent but may need help occasionally. The greater the physical and emotional demands of your caring role, the more likely you are to feel stress.
Lack of choice
Many carers feel they had little or no choice in taking on caring. You may sometimes feel trapped and resentful.
Conflict and frustration
Relationships can change under the pressures of illness and adversity. There might be greater levels of conflict and frustration in your family.
You may even be caring for someone you have always had a difficult relationship with.
Lack of support
Many carers feel alone and unsupported.
You may find it hard to access services and supports that meet the needs of your family.
You may also wish that friends and family members could help out more.
Effects of stress
When you feel stressed your body reacts the same way it does to a threat. Your heartbeat, breathing rate and blood pressure all go up. The longer you feel stressed, the greater the demands on your body.
This can eventually lead to stress related illnesses, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, mental health problems, decreased immunity and chronic fatigue.
Find out more
Talk to your doctor if you feel that stress is affecting your physical health.