A Wellbeing

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Use positive ways to cope with stress. After a tough day, it’s tempting to plop down in front of the TV with a bottle of wine, but that isn’t a positive coping technique. Instead, put together a list of go-to coping strategies that are positive and healthy. Try and do things that will make you feel better in the short term and improve your health and wellbeing in the long term. Suggestions include taking a walk, meditating, doing a short work-out, practising deep breathing, calling or texting a friend, watching funny video clips on YouTube, or taking a long hot bath or shower. 7

Spend time on hobbies. Before you were a carer, there were probably hobbies and activities that you enjoyed. Regularly finding time for those activities is a great way to take a break from caring for your older adult. This improves quality of life and reduces the risk of compassion fatigue because it’s something fun and creative that you do just for yourself – and isn’t related to caring, work or chores. (See our story on the power of hobbies on page xx.) 8

Speak with a counsellor or therapist. If your compassion fatigue levels are increasing, talking with a counsellor or therapist can bring relief. They help people deal with negative thinking, stress, depression, anxiety, major life changes and more. A therapist can guide you towards effective ways to reduce compassion fatigue and manage the tough emotions that come with being a carer. ACG

To find out more about support groups near you, call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 and select “option 1” to speak with your local Carer Gateway service provider. They'll register you with Carer Gateway and start the process.