MOHW holds webcast to encourage long-term carers to express their emotions

MOHW holds webcast to encourage long-term carers to express their emotions

2022-07-29

Sometimes it’s better to vent and let it all out. That’s the message for carers, from the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Caring for a sick or elderly relative can be one of the hardest, most thankless jobs. Officials recently held an event for long-term carers to share their struggles. They also have a new website where carers can express their feelings, feel less alone, and get directed to resources for their mental health.

Carer
My mother got dementia six years ago. Before that, she had colorectal cancer, and depression. So we have been caring for her for many years.

This lady has been caring for her 96-year-old mother for ten years. It’s an exhausting job. The Ministry of Health and Welfare held this Carer’s Emotional Health Webcast to support long-term carers’ mental health.

If carers head to the website, they will be directed to an illustrated story that most chimes with their own experience. They can take a test to determine their level of psychological stress and get an empathetic response. The ministry hopes the webcast will remind carers to pay attention to their own mental health and find suitable ways to let their strong emotions out.

Carer
This Emotions Show tells you that when your emotions get too strong, you should pick up the phone and find someone to talk to. Tell them how you’re doing. Having a cry sometimes, letting it out – these things are important.

The cute illustrations and text show that it’s OK to vent or let your emotions show. The memes tell carers it’s ok to express their feelings, and in fact, it helps. Officials also remind carers that there are professional care resources available. Carers need all the support they can get.