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In Ireland, approximately 335,000 people of all ages and genders are family carers. More often than not it is a seamless and hidden function that family members take on without any training and in many cases without expectation.
This can become the situation due to an unexpected life event such as a challenging illness – mental or physical – or an accident.
A question that needs to be asked is – who cares for the carer?
While the family bond will be strong, the responsibility can be overwhelming. And the reality of caring for someone with a mental health issue such as depression, schizophrenia or an eating disorder is different to a physical health issues such as a heart condition. Saying that is in no way suggesting that the life of being a carer is any less onerous in either scenario.