The Silent Burden of Mental Health Support

When we think about mental health and emotional struggles, the focus is often on the individuals directly experiencing the challenges. Their pain, their stories, and their recovery take centre stage – as they should. However, there is another side to this story, one that is often shrouded in silence. It is the story of those that offer mental health support:

• The parents holding their child’s hand through endless therapy sessions.
• The friends who always answer the midnight call.
• The colleagues who pick up the slack when someone cannot cope, and
• The Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) who step in during moments of concern or crisis.

Supporters are the unsung heroes in the mental health journey. They listen. They encourage. They are there to be talked to.

Yet within this diverse group lies a unique distinction: while everyone has the capacity to provide emotional support, trained Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) take on a formal and vital role that requires skill, knowledge, and dedication.

Whether you are a supportive friend or a certified first aider, one thing remains true, the burden you carry is often silent yet profound, and the emotional toll on yourself can creep up slowly, almost imperceptibly, until it becomes overwhelming.

Ask yourself this question

When was the last time you considered the well-being of someone supporting you? or your own well-being if you are the one offering support?

Supporters, particularly MHFAs, often feel an unspoken expectation to remain strong, to never falter, and to always be available. This expectation, whether internal or external, can lead to a dangerous pattern of self-neglect.

This post is for them; for you. It is (in my opinion only) an honest look at the challenges faced by anyone who supports others, whether through compassion, friendship, or formal MHFA training.

Here’s the truth: You cannot pour from an empty cup. If you neglect your own needs, you risk burnout, compassion fatigue, and emotional exhaustion, all of which diminish your ability to help others.

In this post I take a moment to shift the focus. This is not about what you can do for others; this is about what you can do for yourself. It is about giving yourself permission to prioritise your own mental health, recognising the warning signs of burnout, and embracing self-care as an essential, not optional, part of being a mental health supporter – whether you are a parent, friend, colleague, or MHFA.

I explore the emotional weight of supporting others, why self-care is not selfish, and practical ways to protect your own mental health while continuing to be there for those who need you. Remember this: caring for yourself is not just an act of self-preservation, it is an act of love for those you are supporting. After all, when you are at your best, you can give your best.

Why Supporting Others Can Be Emotionally Draining

At first glance, the role of a mental health supporter may seem straightforward:

You show up, You listen, You care.

Beneath the surface lies a far more complex and emotionally taxing reality. Supporting someone through mental health challenges means opening yourself up to their pain, holding space for their emotions, and often putting their needs ahead of your own. It is an act of profound compassion, but it can also come at a significant personal cost.

The Emotional Labour of Support

Support (of any kind) is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing process. Whether you are a colleague offering a shoulder to lean on or an MHFA following a structured action plan to assist someone seeking help, the emotional labour of support requires sustained energy and focus. For untrained supporters, this might look like being a constant source of reassurance or encouragement. For qualified MHFAs, it can mean managing their own emotions while calmly navigating someone through a potentially life-altering moment.

This labour is often invisible, especially when the main focus is rightly on the person experiencing distress and/or seeking help. However, it takes a toll on the person offering support, who may carry that emotional weight long after the conversation has ended. Over time, the cumulative effect of being the “go-to” person for someone’s mental health needs can lead to feelings of depletion and even resentment; emotions that are rarely acknowledged due to fear of seeming uncaring.

The Blurred Boundaries Between Helping and Overextending

For all supporters, it is easy to blur the lines between healthy support and overextending yourself.

You may feel obligated to say “yes” to every request, even when it strains your own well-being; this is what makes us human. The unspoken mantra of:

“I’ll rest later – they need me now”

becomes a pattern that chips away at your own mental and physical reserves.

For MHFAs, the boundaries are often more clearly defined through training, but the responsibility of adhering to best practices while being emotionally available can still feel overwhelming. The knowledge that your role is to bridge the gap between immediate support and professional intervention can create pressure, particularly if resources are limited or the person needing help resists further action.

The Weight of Responsibility

All supporters, especially those with MHFA training, may feel an immense sense of responsibility for the person they are helping. You might question whether you have done enough or worry that your actions, or inactions, could worsen the situation. This sense of responsibility, while rooted in care and compassion, can lead to guilt when outcomes do not improve or when you simply cannot be there for someone all the time.

For untrained supporters, this responsibility is compounded by a lack of training or guidance. You may feel unequipped to handle certain situations, yet still carry the weight of believing it is your job to “fix” the person you care about. The truth is, whether you are an MHFA or an untrained supporter, you cannot solve someone else’s mental health challenges. You can only guide them, encourage them, and ensure they know they are not alone.

Absorbing Another’s Pain

Empathy is both a gift and a challenge. For friends, family, and workplace colleagues, empathy often means deeply feeling the emotions of the person you are helping – sometimes to the point of internalising their pain. This phenomenon, known as “empathic distress,” can leave you feeling anxious, helpless, or even traumatised by proxy – aka it can bring about mental health issues to yourself.

For MHFAs, the challenge of empathy is compounded by the knowledge that you are often called upon during moments of concern or crisis. While training provides tools to manage these situations, it does not shield you from the emotional impact. Witnessing someone’s pain, especially over time, can lead to what is known as “compassion fatigue”; a state of emotional exhaustion that makes it difficult to continue offering support effectively. Compassion fatigue does not mean you care any less; it simply means you have reached your limit.

The Isolation of Supporting Others

Supporting someone, whether informally or as an MHFA, can feel isolating. The person you are helping may have access to professional therapy or peer groups, but supporters themselves often lack similar outlets to process their own emotions. For MHFAs, there is sometimes an assumption that the training they’ve received equips them to handle everything on their own. For informal supporters, there may be a fear of burdening others by expressing their own struggles. This isolation compounds the emotional toll, making it harder to seek help when it is needed.

Reflection: How Often Do You Check In with Yourself?

When was the last time you asked yourself how you are feeling? Supporting someone else, whether as a compassionate friend or a trained MHFA, can make it easy to lose sight of your own needs. Recognising the emotional toll of this role is the first step towards finding balance and protecting your own mental health.

Recognising the Signs of Burnout in Supporters

Supporting others is a deeply compassionate act. However, it is also an emotionally demanding one. Over time, this responsibility can lead to burnout; an overwhelming state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion.

Recognising the signs of burnout is crucial for anyone in a supportive role (in reality burnout can affect anyone in any roll at any time), as it allows you to take action before the toll becomes debilitating.

The Subtle Onset of Burnout

Burnout rarely arrives with a loud knock. Instead, it creeps in quietly, disguised as “normal” fatigue or stress. MHFAs continually bring this to light as most people dismiss these early warning signs, believing they should be able to handle the pressure. However, burnout builds over time, and if left unaddressed, it can escalate into a state of complete emotional exhaustion and physical breakdown.

For MHFAs themselves, burnout may manifest as feeling overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility, especially after supporting multiple individuals or handling high-stress situations. For most people, it might look like constantly replaying conversations in your head, worrying if you said or did the right thing. Regardless of the role, burnout is a signal that your internal reserves are running dangerously low.

Emotional Warning Signs to Look out for

Burnout primarily affects your emotional state, often making you feel:

• Emotionally drained: You feel like you have nothing left to give, even to those you care about.
• Detached or numb: You might start to feel disconnected from the person you are supporting, as if their struggles no longer resonate with you.
• Irritable or resentful: Small requests or behaviours that previously didn’t bother you may now trigger frustration or annoyance.
• Helpless or hopeless: You might feel like your efforts are futile, questioning whether you are truly making a difference.

These emotions are natural responses to prolonged stress, but they can lead to guilt, especially for those in official roles like MHFAs, who often hold themselves to high standards of care.

What about the Physical Symptoms of Burnout?

Burnout does not just affect your mind, it also impacts your body. Some common physical symptoms include:

• Fatigue: Constant exhaustion, even after resting or sleeping.
• Sleep disturbances: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling rested upon waking.
• Headaches or muscle tension: Chronic stress often manifests physically, leading to aches and pains.
• Weakened immune system: You may find yourself falling ill more frequently or taking longer to recover.

For MHFAs, the physical demands of being present in high-stakes situations can amplify these symptoms, making it even more important to recognise them early.

Cognitive and Behavioural Red Flag Warnings

Burnout also affects how you think and behave. Some key indicators include:

• Difficulty concentrating: You may find it hard to stay focused or process information.
• Procrastination: Tasks that once seemed manageable now feel overwhelming or unimportant.
• Withdrawing from others: You may avoid social interactions or stop engaging with those you are supporting.
• Questioning your competence: A growing self-doubt can make you feel inadequate, even if you are doing your best.

For untrained supporters, these changes might show up as avoiding phone calls or delaying check-ins. For MHFAs, it could mean hesitating to take on new cases or second-guessing your ability to provide effective support.

Compassion Fatigue vs. Burnout

It is important to distinguish burnout from compassion fatigue. While the two are closely related, compassion fatigue is specific to the emotional strain of empathising with someone else’s pain. It often manifests as:

• A diminished ability to be empathic.
• Feeling overwhelmed by the stories or experiences you are hearing.
• A sense of dread about future interactions or responsibilities.

Burnout, on the other hand, is more encompassing, affecting all aspects of your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. However, the two often overlap, creating a cycle where compassion fatigue feeds into burnout and vice versa.

The Importance of Early Recognition

Burnout is not a reflection of weakness; it is a natural response to prolonged stress and emotional impact. Recognising the signs early is not just important for your own well-being; it is essential for the person you are supporting. When you are emotionally depleted, it becomes harder to provide the care and presence they need.

If you find yourself resonating with any of these signs, know that you are not alone and that there are steps you can take to recover.

Reflection: What Do You See in Yourself?

Take a moment to reflect on your own experiences. Do any of these signs feel familiar? Have you been pushing through, believing that “rest can wait” or that your needs are secondary? Recognising these patterns is the first step toward breaking them.

The Stigma of Self-Care: Why It Feels Selfish and Why It Is Not

If you have ever felt guilty about taking time for yourself, you are not alone. Many mental health supporters struggle with the idea of self-care. Society has long perpetuated the myth that being selfless is the ultimate virtue; that to truly care for others, you must always put their needs before your own. This narrative is not only harmful but also unsustainable.

Remember this: prioritising your own well-being is not selfish; it is essential.

When you neglect self-care, you risk burnout, compassion fatigue, and emotional exhaustion, all of which diminish your ability to support others effectively. In fact, the most compassionate thing you can do for someone else is to ensure you are mentally and emotionally healthy enough to be there for them.

The Guilt Trap: Struggling with Self-Care

Self-care is often misrepresented as an indulgence; bubble baths, spa days, or time away from responsibilities. While these activities can be part of self-care, they are not the whole picture. True self-care is about maintaining a balance, setting boundaries, and ensuring your own physical, mental, and emotional well-being journey is essentially realised. Yet for many people, guilt becomes a major barrier to embracing this reality.

• The Internalised Narrative of Selflessness: Mental Health Supporters (Family, Friends, Colleagues, and MHFAs) often internalise the belief that their worth is tied to how much they can give. This mindset can lead to overextending themselves, believing that stepping back, even momentarily, means they are failing the person they are supporting.
• Fear of Judgement: The fear of being seen as “selfish” or “uncaring” can prevent a person from taking time for themselves. MHFAs, in particular, may feel pressure to live up to the high expectations of their role, worrying that prioritising their own needs will be perceived as a weakness.
• “They Have It Worse” Syndrome: It is common for many to compare their own struggles to those of the person they are helping, thinking, “I shouldn’t complain – they’re the one really suffering.”This comparison minimises their own feelings and reinforces the belief that their needs are less important.

Reframing Self-Care as a Responsibility, Not a Luxury

To break free from the stigma surrounding self-care, we need to change the way we think about it. Self-care is not a luxury or an escape; it is a responsibility for each of us. Just as you cannot drive a car on an empty tank, you cannot help or assist others effectively when you are running on empty.

For MHFAs, this shift is especially important. The training teaches you how to support others, but it is equally vital to apply those principles to yourself. Just as you would encourage someone else to seek help or take a break, you must allow yourself the same opportunities.

• Self-Care as an Act of Love: Taking care of yourself is not just for your benefit; it is for the benefit of those you support. When you are well-rested, emotionally balanced, and mentally clear, you are better equipped to offer meaningful and effective support.
• Boundaries as a Form of Self-Care: Setting boundaries is not about shutting people out; it is about protecting your capacity to care. For example, learning to say “I’m here for you, but I am unavailable tonight” creates space for your own needs while maintaining your commitment to the person you are helping.

Recognising the importance of self-care is one thing, but overcoming the guilt or stigma associated with it requires actionable steps. Here are a few strategies I hope will help you reframe your perspective:

• Practice What You Preach: If you encourage others to prioritise their mental health, then remember to lead by example. Show others that self-care is a strength, not a weakness.
• Start Small: Self-care doesn’t have to be an elaborate ritual. Begin with small, intentional acts, such as taking a 10-minute walk, journaling your thoughts, or allowing yourself to say “no” without guilt. Bear this in mind as an example – A project manager who says “Yes” to a clients timeline request, but cannot deliver it is worse than a project manager that says “No” but opens the door to negotiation on what is possible.
• Shift the Narrative: Remind yourself that self-care is not selfish; it is self-preservation. You cannot be there for others if you are not there for yourself first.
• Seek Peer Support: Connect with other supporters or MHFAs who understand the challenges you face. Sharing experiences and strategies can help normalise self-care and reduce feelings of isolation.
• Challenge Your Inner Critic: When guilt arises, question it. Ask yourself, “Would I judge someone else for taking a break? Why do I hold myself to a different standard?”

The Ripple Effect of Self-Care

When you prioritise your own well-being, the positive effects extend far beyond yourself. Your emotional stability, clarity, and energy will ripple out to those you support, creating a healthier and more sustainably dynamic environment. By embracing self-care, you model healthy behaviours for others, showing them that it is okay – and necessary – to put their own mental health first.

Reflection: Who Are You Really Helping?

When you neglect your own needs in the name of supporting others, you are not truly helping them; you are running the risk of burnout, resentment, and emotional withdrawal. However, when you care for yourself, you are better able to care for them. Take a moment to ask yourself:

What would self-care look like for me today? How can I take one step toward reclaiming my well-being?

Practical Self-Care Strategies for Supporters

Taking care of others is one of the most compassionate and selfless acts a person can perform, but it is not sustainable without taking care of yourself first. Self-care is not one-size-fits-all. It looks different for everyone, but the goal remains the same: to replenish your mental, emotional, and physical reserves so you can continue to show up for the people who need you without sacrificing your own well-being. Below you will see a few practical strategies I have thought about (over the Christmas 2024 festive break), for building and maintaining a self-care routine that may work for you.

Emotional Self-Care: Processing and Releasing Your Feelings

Supporting someone through their mental health challenges can stir up a whirlwind of emotions; empathy, frustration, guilt, and even helplessness. Emotional self-care is about acknowledging and processing these feelings rather than suppressing them.

Practice Journaling

Writing down your thoughts and emotions can help you process difficult situations and gain clarity. Journaling allows you to express your frustrations, fears, and triumphs in a safe space.

Seek Therapy or Counselling

Even MHFAs need support. Speaking with a mental health professional can provide a safe space to unload the emotional weight you carry and gain tools for managing stress.

Embrace Mindfulness

Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or even a moment of stillness can help ground you when emotions feel overwhelming. Apps like Headspace or Calm can provide guided meditations tailored for stress relief. I also find “hobbies” can be as important and influential. I have personal preference of listening to a wide range of music on Vinyl records – loud all while I am laying on the floor, eyes closed and just “feeling” the power of music.

Trust in your Relationships

A relationship does not have to be the “marriage of your dreams”; it can be with someone special; someone you respect; someone you love; someone you believe is your soul mate and is always there for you; Someone you have yet to meet.  My grandma had a saying she would bring forward frequently if I was having personal challenges of my own:

“Some people come into your life for a reason, some come into your life for a season”

What is the difference?

In times of difficulties it is the ones that come into your life for a reason (your best friends, soul mates etc.) that are the most important – you may chat to them that often, but they are always there for you (afterthought – why is it they always remember all the crazy stuff you have done together growing up?) On the opposite side of the coin, a seasons length can be 1 week, 1 month, 1 year or longer, but the reality is that when you seek assistance the most, they are the ones who are usually “not available” or cannot help.

Physical Self-Care: Recharging Your Body

Your physical health is deeply interconnected with your mental and emotional well-being. If your body is running on empty, your ability to support others diminishes.

• Prioritise Sleep: Sleep is not a luxury; it is a biological necessity. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, and create a bedtime routine to help you wind down.  Remember #WorktoLive #NotLivetoWork
• Move Your Body: Regular physical activity, even a 15-minute walk, releases endorphins that improve your mood and energy levels. Consider activities that you enjoy, such as yoga, dancing, walking, or cycling.
• Nourish Yourself: Eating balanced meals and staying hydrated may seem simple, but it is often overlooked when you are focused on others. A healthy diet fuels both your body and mind. This is, and has been a key aspect for me since being diagnosed as Type 1 Diabetic nearly 3 years ago.

Social Self-Care: Finding Your Tribe

It is believed that MHFAs, often feel isolated in their roles. Connecting with others who understand your experience can help combat feelings of loneliness and provide valuable perspective:

• Join Peer Support Groups: Look for local or online groups for supporters or mental health advocates. Sharing your experiences with others who “get it” can be both validating and comforting.
• Lean on Your Own Support System: Friends, family, and colleagues can provide the encouragement and care you need. Do not be afraid to ask for help or admit when you are struggling. Remember #ItsOKtoNOTbeOK
• Create Boundaries: Protecting your own time and energy is a form of social self-care. It is okay to say “no” or to step back when you need a break. Please remember your family and close friends are potentially the most important people in your life, never forget that spending time with them is what life should all be about. #LaughteristheBestMedicine

Practical Self-Care: Managing Your Responsibilities

The impact of supporting others can feel overwhelming, especially if you are juggling work, family, and personal commitments. Practical self-care involves finding ways to lighten your load and create space for rest.

• Delegate Tasks: You do not have to do everything yourself. If you are part of a workplace or family group, ask others to share responsibilities.
• Use Technology Wisely: Tools like scheduling apps or reminders can help you stay organised and reduce the stress of trying to remember everything.
• Create a Self-Care Routine: Schedule time for yourself as you would for any other commitment. Whether it’s 10 minutes a day or a full afternoon each week, consistency is key.

Self-Care for MHFAs: Honouring the Role

As a Mental Health First Aider, your role is unique. While your training equips you to provide immediate support, it is essential to recognise that you are not a therapist or a long-term solution. Acknowledging your limits is a critical part of self-care.

• Decompress After Sessions: After assisting someone seeking assistance, take time to reflect and release any emotions that arose. This could mean journaling, speaking with a supervisor (if applicable), or engaging in a calming activity.
• Utilise MHFA Networks: Many MHFA organisations provide resources, peer groups, and continued education for first aiders. Tap into these networks to stay connected and supported.
• Know When to Step Back: If a situation feels too heavy, do not hesitate to refer the individual to professional help. Recognising your limits is not a failure; it is an act of care for both yourself and the person in need.

Long-Term Self-Care: Building Resilience

Self-care is not just about reacting to stress; it is about building resilience so you can thrive in the face of challenges. Focus on creating habits that sustain you over time.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Recognise and celebrate your efforts, no matter how small. Acknowledging your contributions helps combat self-doubt and reinforces your value.
• Invest in Personal Growth: Consider activities or learning opportunities that bring you joy and fulfilment outside of your support role. Hobbies, courses, or creative pursuits can recharge your spirit.
• Check In Regularly: Make it a habit to ask yourself how you are feeling – emotionally, physically, and mentally. Regular self-assessments can help you catch burnout before it takes hold. Do not be afraid to document your assessments, looking back over time is one of the greatest feelings you will encounter. It will make you realise the impact you have made, the people you have assisted and potentially the lives you have saved.

Reflection: Your Self-Care Blueprint

Think about your own life: What does self-care look like for you? How can you incorporate even one of these strategies into your daily routine? Remember, self-care is not selfish; it is the foundation that allows you to continue showing up for others.

Reaching Out: When Mental Health Supporters Need Support Themselves

Even the strongest mental health supporters and most well-trained Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) can reach a breaking point. While your focus may always be on helping others, it is essential to recognise when you need help. Seeking support for yourself is not a sign of failure; it is an act of strength and self-awareness. Here I explore how to recognise when you need support and where to turn for help when the emotional burden becomes too heavy.

Recognising When You Need Support

The first step in seeking help is recognising the signs that you might be struggling. These signs can vary from person to person, but common indicators include:

• Emotional Overload: You feel consistently anxious, hopeless, or unable to manage your emotions.
• Persistent Fatigue: No amount of rest seems to replenish your energy.
• Withdrawing from Others: You avoid social interactions or disengage from relationships, even with those you care about.
• Physical Symptoms: Stress-related ailments, such as headaches, digestive issues, or muscle tension, become frequent or chronic.
• Irritability or Resentment: You find yourself feeling frustrated or resentful toward those you are supporting.
• Loss of Joy: Activities that once brought you happiness now feel like chores or obligations.

For MHFAs, these signs may manifest as reluctance to take on new cases, second-guessing your abilities, or feeling emotionally numb during interactions.

Breaking the Stigma: It’s Okay to Ask for Help

Supporters often hesitate to seek help for themselves due to fear of judgment or a sense of guilt. You may think:

“I’m supposed to be the strong one. How can I ask for help when someone else is struggling more?”

The truth is, everyone needs support at times, and reaching out does not diminish your ability to care for others; it enhances it.

• Shift Your Perspective: Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a recognition that you are human. Even the most skilled professionals have limits, and seeking support is a way to maintain your capacity to help others.
• Embrace Vulnerability: Being open about your struggles can inspire others, including those you support, to seek help when they need it. Vulnerability builds connection and trust.

Where to Turn for Support

When you recognise that you need help, it is important to know where to find it. Here are some options tailored for mental health supporters and MHFAs:

• Professional Counselling and Therapy: Speaking with a licensed mental health professional can provide you with tools to manage stress, process emotions, and navigate challenges. Many workplaces now offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) that include free or subsidised therapy sessions.
• Trusted Friends or Family Members: Sometimes, simply talking to someone you trust can be enough to lift the weight you are carrying. Be honest about your feelings and let them know how they can support you.
• Helplines and Online Resources: If you feel overwhelmed and do not know where to start, helplines such as Samaritans (116 123 in the UK) or Shout (text “SHOUT” to 85258 in the UK) can provide immediate, confidential support. Many mental health organisations also offer online resources and chat services tailored to supporters.

Building a Support System

Seeking help is not a one-time act; it is about creating a network of support that you can rely on when needed. Here are some tips for building your own support system:

• Identify Your Circle: Make a list of people or resources you can turn to, whether it’s a close friend, a colleague, or a professional service.
• Be Specific: When asking for help, be clear about what you need. For example, say, “I need someone to listen,” or “Can you help me brainstorm solutions?”
• Schedule Regular Check-Ins: Make it a habit to check in with your support system, even when things are going well. Regular communication strengthens relationships and ensures help is readily available when you need it.

The Power of Professional Development for MHFAs

For MHFAs, ongoing training and professional development can also serve as a form of support. Refresher courses, advanced mental health training, or even supervision sessions can help you feel more confident and equipped in your role. They also provide an opportunity to connect with other first aiders who understand the unique challenges you face.

Reflection: What Support Do You Need?

Take a moment to consider your current state. Are you feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or emotionally drained? If so, what kind of support would help you most right now? Reaching out is not just a way to take care of yourself, it is a step toward becoming a more resilient and effective supporter.

Conclusion: Filling Your Own Cup

Supporting others, whether as an informal/untrained supporter or a trained Mental Health First Aider (MHFA), is a profound act of compassion and humanity. It is also a role that requires resilience, balance, and an unwavering commitment to your own well-being. Throughout this post, I have explored the hidden burdens of support, the stigma surrounding self-care, and the practical strategies needed to protect your own mental health. Now, it is in your hands to take these insights and turn them into action.

The Power of Acknowledgement

The first step in transforming the way you approach your role as a supporter is acknowledging the emotional weight it carries. It is not a weakness to admit that the responsibility can be overwhelming; it is a strength. By recognising the toll, you empower yourself to take proactive steps toward self-preservation and sustainability.

For MHFAs, this means leaning into the structure and resources provided by your training while honouring your limits. For untrained supporters, it means understanding that your care is meaningful, even if it does not come with formal qualifications. Both roles are vital, and both deserve the same level of care and respect.

Prioritising Self-Care Without Guilt

The stigma surrounding self-care can be deeply ingrained, but it is one we must challenge and overcome. Self-care is not selfish; it is a foundation for being present, effective, and compassionate in your support for others. Whether it is setting boundaries, seeking professional help, or simply taking a break, self-care ensures you can show up as the best version of yourself.

Remember, it is not just about what you give; it is about how you sustain your ability to give.

When you care for yourself, you model healthy behaviours for those you support, showing them that prioritising mental health is not only acceptable but essential.

Building Your Support System

No one is meant to bear the weight of support alone. Just as you are there for others, you must allow others to be there for you. Whether it is through therapy, peer support groups, or simply leaning on trusted friends and family, building a strong support system is not a sign of failure, it is a cornerstone of resilience.

For MHFAs, this may also mean tapping into your training networks, seeking supervision, or pursuing further development to bolster your skills and confidence. For untrained supporters, it means recognising that asking for help is a step toward sustaining your ability to help others.

Your Call to Action

Now that we have explored the challenges and solutions of self-care for supporters, it is time to reflect on what steps you can take today to prioritise your well-being. Consider these questions:

• What is one self-care strategy from this post that resonates with you?
• How can you start implementing it in your daily life?
• Who can you reach out to for support, whether personally or professionally?

Taking even one small step toward self-care can create a ripple effect, not just in your life but in the lives of those you care about and support.

A Final Thought: Filling Your Own Cup

Imagine pouring from a cup that is perpetually empty. The effort is exhausting, and the results are unsustainable. But when you take time to refill your cup – through rest, self-care, and seeking support – you not only ensure your own well-being but also enhance your capacity to care for others.

Being a mental health supporter is a gift, but it is not one that should come at the expense of your own health. Whether you are a friend, family member, colleague, or MHFA, your mental health matters just as much as the person you are helping. By embracing self-care and building a strong support system, you honour not only yourself but also the people who rely on you.

What will be Your Next Step?

Take a moment to consider your next step. How will you integrate self-care into your life moving forward? What changes can you make today to ensure you are supporting others in a way that is sustainable and compassionate; not just for them, but for you as well?

As I conclude this post, remember: self-care is not a destination; it is a journey. It is an ongoing commitment to yourself and to those you support. And it starts with one small, intentional act of kindness; for yourself.