"My never ending story as a carer"

I care for two people. My Wife who suffers from multiple health conditions. I have cared for her since my daughter was born in the 80's that's when she was diagnosed with psychosis and in the years that have passed the other ailments have happened.

I also care for my son, who was diagnosed with psychosis years ago. I can only thank the City Carer Support Service in Nottingham for their support. From my own personnel experience as a main carer for two people, the amount of pressure that is on people who care for someone whether it is mental or psychical is sometimes hard to cope with. You feel that you are in a hopeless situation and that is when you feel a failure. I have had several counseling sessions through Lets Talk Wellbeing and the Carers Federation.

I am now retired from my job and was put in contact with the City Carers Support group when my sons key worker and his psychiatrist noticed that I was not well.

When my son was in Highbury Vale Hospital prior to being in A43 at the QMC, for approx three months following being sectioned. I was under extreme mental strain but I was not asked how I was. I saw my GP who prescribed me with an anti depressant. Sometimes I feel that this where the carer should be referred for Carers Support in there area.

In October and November of last year I had quite some time of work with depression and I am currently feeling that way again however I have gone on a more stronger tablet.

Recently I attended a Carers Conference at with my Carer Support Worker and asked a member of staff what it takes for a carer to become ill themselves before anything is recommended to a carer, this should be actioned from the outset.

In my retirement I have more time to care for my wife and son and attend various functions as i feel that there is still a lot work to be done on behalf of carers.

PS. This my never ending story up to present as I'm sure it is for many other carers.