Asking for help takes the pressure off

My name is Lucy. I’m 47.

Why is looking after your mental wellbeing important to you? 

I am a carer for my elderly father and a single mum of two. If I don’t look after my mental wellbeing, I won’t be able to look after the people I love in the way that they need.

What do you do to protect and improve your mental wellbeing? 

When I recognise when I am feeling stressed or down, I talk to my family and ask for help with specific tasks to take the pressure off. I take a walk in the woods with my dog just to get outside and be away from the computer or housework tasks.

What is one thing you have started doing in the last year that’s helped your mental wellbeing? 

I have started personal counselling which is helping me live life with more autonomy.

Anything else you’d like to share? This might be a quote or advice you’d like to give to others.

Take one day at a time when things feel tough. One day suddenly everything feels OK, and you realise that you survived. Be kind to yourself.