Matthew McKenzie — Caring Mind

As International Stress Awareness Week 2026 draws to a close, I want to highlight the pressures carried by unpaid carers and why their wellbeing must remain part of the conversation throughout the year.

Supporting a relative or friend can mean balancing appointments, employment, financial worries and disrupted sleep. Even during a quiet moment, a carer’s mind may still be on duty, thinking about what might happen next.

In my latest Caring Mind video, I explore these pressures and share some practical ways carers can find support.

Recognising the person behind the caring role

Carers need opportunities to speak honestly about stress without feeling guilty or judged. For some ethnic minority carers, racism, language barriers and having their concerns dismissed can add further pressure.

Taking a short break, enjoying poetry or music, or talking with someone supportive may help. Asking for specific practical assistance such as shopping or help with a caring task can also make space to rest.

However, reducing carer stress requires more than individual coping strategies. Reliable services, understanding employers, accessible information and meaningful involvement in care decisions all matter.

Please watch and share the video, and take a moment to ask an unpaid carer how they are coping. Listen to the answer, and consider what help you could offer.

The awareness week may be ending, but our responsibility to support unpaid carers continues.