You Matter Too: Tips for Supporting Your Mental Health May is National Caregiver Month and May 5th to 11th is Mental Health Week – two important recognition periods that provide an opportunity to talk about caregiver mental health. | | Every day, millions of unpaid family caregivers provide essential physical and emotional support to family members, friends, and neighbours who live with disabilities, chronic illnesses and more. Their efforts are not without consequences. Not only do almost three quarters say they feel so burnt out they don’t know if they can continue in their role, many are worried about their own mental health. The OCO provides resources, tools, and a community of other caregivers that can help you navigate your caregiving journey and support you in taking small steps toward supporting your mental health. Here are a few tips to get started: - Take regular breaks: Even just a few minutes of downtime can help reset your mind and reduce stress.
- Practice self-compassion: Remind yourself that it’s okay not to be perfect. Caregiving is a big responsibility, and caring for yourself is just as important as caring for others.
- Connect with a caregiver support group: Sharing your experiences with others can help with feelings of isolation or loneliness.
- OCO’s Helpline can assist: Look for resources in your community that can support you and the person you care for and get connected with OCO programs that are right for you.
OCO also offers webinars, online tools, and one-to-one support through the Caregiver Coaching Program. This free program connects caregivers with trained coaches who can help you build coping strategies, reduce stress, and improve your emotional well-being. Mental Health Week and National Caregiver Month are timely reminders that your mental health is vital to both your well-being and your ability to care for others. | Join Our New Online Support Group – Change in Caregiver Identity Has your caregiving role changed recently? Caregiving is a life-changing experience, and when your role changes, it can be just as tough to adjust as it was when you first started. | | Whether the person you care for has moved to a different type of care, transitioned to end-of-life care, or sadly passed away, we are here to support you through it. This new Online Support Group provides a supportive space where caregivers like you can share and connect, as we explore the complex emotions and adjustments that come with a changing caregiver identity. Together, we’ll discuss themes such as: - Adjusting to life after your caregiving role changes or ends
- Managing feelings of loss, sadness, and relief
- Navigating the loss of control and finding a new sense of purpose
- Supporting each other through personal experiences and emotions
Please note, while feelings of grief and sadness are welcome, this group focuses on the emotional transition and validation of your journey – not on grief counselling. Date: Starting May 21st,2025 When: Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM (ET) Take the next step in navigating this transition. Join us for a safe, open, and empowering space to heal, connect, and find your new path forward. | You Don’t Have to Do It Alone: Steps to Building a Circle of Care | A Circle of Care means having a team of people, services, and supports around the person receiving care and their caregivers(s). It recognizes that caregiving is too much for one person to manage by themselves—and that getting help is not just okay, it’s essential. To help highlight the importance of building a strong support system, we’ve partnered with Stephanie Muskat—a caregiver and psychotherapist—to offer insights on creating a Circle of Care that can make all the difference. A Circle of Care can Include: - Friends and family who check in and/or take on tasks
- Healthcare teams and community groups that understand caregivers’ needs
- Mental health professionals who offer a safe space to talk
- Organizations like OCO that provide trusted information, helplines, and coaching
When caregiving becomes a shared responsibility, caregivers are healthier and stronger. | May 8 & May 13: Supporting Your Child's Mental Health: Strategies for Caregivers OCO is partnering with Parents’ Lifeline (PLEO) to discuss strategies for supporting parents of children with mental health challenges. The webinar will cover topics like fostering open communication, problem-solving with your child, and caring for yourself. Sign Up Today | | May 14: Let's Talk About Aging Parents Join Amy Coupal, CEO of the Ontario Caregiver Organization and Laura Tamblyn Watts, CEO of CanAge and author of Let’s Talk About Aging Parents for an informal coffee chat on the conversations that make a difference. Take away practical tips that may help you in your caregiving journey. Register Now | | June 12: High-Quality Care for Osteoarthritis of the Knee, Hip, Hand, or Shoulder This webinar, hosted by Ontario Health, provides caregivers and individuals with osteoarthritis valuable insights into the updated quality standard for osteoarthritis care, focusing on the knee, hip, hand, and shoulder, along with essential tools and resources. Register Now | | Michelle Jobin speaks with Ngozi Iroanyah about her experiences as a caregiver for her father, Felix, who has dementia, and her work with the Alzheimer’s Society of Ontario. Ngozi discusses the challenges faced by caregivers, the importance of improved communication with healthcare providers, and how cultural beliefs influence family approaches to dementia care. Listen Now | | Caregiving can lead to stress, anxiety, burnout, and even PTSD in more difficult situations. To support caregivers’ mental health, Dr. Patrick McGrath returns to share practical tips, strategies, and available resources. This webinar addresses key questions caregivers have raised about managing their well-being. Watch It Again | | Ontario’s health privacy laws can be complex, making it challenging for caregivers to understand why healthcare providers may not share certain information. This resource provides caregivers with the necessary information to navigate these conversations and better collaborate as part of the healthcare team. Download This Guide | | Share With a Friend Did you find this newsletter useful? Please share with someone you know who may benefit from OCO's free programs and services, resources, and stories. | | | | |
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