Care for the Caregivers

Ruby Sturt

Hey everyone, welcome back to Beyond the Label! I'm Ruby, and as always, I'm joined by Eric. Today, we're diving into something that honestly doesn't get talked about enough—the mental health of caregivers. And I mean, not just the big, dramatic stuff, but the everyday grind, right?

Eric Marquette

Absolutely, Ruby. Caregivers are often the unsung heroes, but the toll it takes—burnout, anxiety, that constant, low-level stress—it's real. And it's not just about the person they're caring for. If the caregiver's not well, the whole system can wobble.

Ruby Sturt

Yeah, and I think people forget that. Like, my aunt—she became a caregiver almost overnight when my uncle had a stroke. She was so focused on him, she didn't even notice her own mental health was slipping. She'd say, "I'm fine, just tired," but it was more than that. She was anxious all the time, snapping at people, just... not herself. It took ages for her to realise she needed help too.

Eric Marquette

That sounds so familiar. I think a lot of people listening will relate. It's easy to ignore your own needs when you're in that role. But as we've said in previous episodes, especially when we talked about self-care and boundaries, if you don't look after yourself, you can't really look after anyone else, can you?

Ruby Sturt

Exactly. And it's not selfish—it's actually essential. If you're running on empty, you're not giving your best to the person you're caring for. I mean, it's like trying to drive a car with no petrol. Terrible analogy, but you get what I mean.

Eric Marquette

No, it's a good one. And I think recognising those early signs—like irritability, exhaustion, or just feeling overwhelmed all the time—is so important. It's not weakness, it's just being human.

Eric Marquette

So, let's talk about what can actually help. Mindfulness is one of those things that comes up a lot, and for good reason. Even just a few minutes of deep breathing or a quick body scan can make a difference. We touched on this in our mindfulness episode, but it's worth repeating—these little practices can really ground you.

Ruby Sturt

Yeah, and you don't have to sit cross-legged on a mountain or anything. My aunt started with just five minutes in the morning, before the chaos kicked in. She'd do a breathing exercise she found on YouTube—nothing fancy, but it helped her reset.

Eric Marquette

And now, there are so many digital tools out there. I came across this app called CalmCare—it's designed specifically for caregivers. It offers guided meditations, stress tracking, and even connects you to virtual support groups. There was a case study where a group of carers used it for a month, and most of them reported feeling less isolated and more in control of their stress. It's not a magic fix, but it's a start.

Ruby Sturt

I love that. And it's not just apps—there are online forums, Facebook groups, even WhatsApp chats where caregivers can vent or swap tips. Sometimes just knowing you're not alone makes a massive difference.

Eric Marquette

Definitely. And for anyone listening, don't underestimate the power of those small, daily routines. Whether it's a mindfulness app, a quick walk, or just a cuppa in peace, it all adds up.

Ruby Sturt

So, let's get into support networks. I think one of the hardest things is actually recognising when you need help, and then asking for it. There's still this weird stigma, like you should be able to handle everything on your own.

Eric Marquette

Yeah, and that's just not realistic. Early recognition is key—if you're feeling constantly overwhelmed, or if your friends are saying, "Hey, you don't seem yourself," that's a sign. And reaching out to a professional, or even just a trusted friend, can make all the difference.

Ruby Sturt

Building a support network doesn't have to be complicated. It can be family, friends, neighbours, or even other caregivers you meet online. My aunt found a local group that met for coffee once a month, and it became her lifeline. She'd come back lighter, you know?

Eric Marquette

I can relate to that, actually. Working in media can be pretty full-on, and I've definitely leaned on my mates and colleagues when things get stressful. Sometimes just having someone to talk to, who gets it, is enough to keep you going.

Ruby Sturt

Same here. I mean, we've both had those late-night calls, right? Where you just need to vent or laugh about something ridiculous that happened at work. It all counts. And for caregivers, those connections are even more important.

Eric Marquette

Absolutely. So, if you're listening and feeling isolated, please remember—you're not alone, and there are people and resources out there to help. Even small steps can make a big difference.

Ruby Sturt

Alright, that's all we've got time for today. Thanks for joining us on Beyond the Label. We'll be back soon with more stories and strategies—so take care of yourselves, and each other.

Eric Marquette

Thanks, Ruby. And thanks to everyone listening. See you next time!