Here for someone

Support for you

This is for you, whether you are a friend, partner or family member. You do not have to live with them or call yourself a carer. Start with what is hardest today.

Looking for ways to support them day to day? See supporting someone over time.

Help now

I'm not coping right now

Help if you can't keep going, urgently need cover, or just need someone to listen. This is for you, at any time of day.

Get support now

Looking for a number? Find helplines and advice contacts.

What is taking the biggest toll?

Not sure where to begin? Check how this is affecting you. It's private, not a test or a diagnosis.

I need a break or someone to take overWhen you're exhausted, or there is nobody to cover essential support. Everything falls to meShare the tasks, decisions and organising rather than carrying it all yourself. Guilt, anger, resentment or griefMake sense of difficult feelings and decide what needs to change. I need to set a boundaryChoose what you can and cannot do. Includes practical words to use and printable scripts. I need help for my own mental healthFind support through your GP, NHS Talking Therapies or carer-specific counselling. I feel frightened or unsafeHelp if you're worried about threats, aggression, control or how they might react. Someone has diedBereavement support, including specialist help after a death by suicide. People who understandFind groups and forums for friends and family who know what this can be like. Money, benefits, breaks and your rights at workPractical help, including carer's assessments and a request-letter tool.

Support for you when someone has…

The effect on your own life can be different depending on what they're experiencing.

DepressionWhen they withdraw, and you carry more of daily life. Bipolar disorderUnpredictability, money worries and the aftermath of episodes. PsychosisFear, exhaustion and the uncertainty around an episode.

For advice about what they need, browse the condition guides.

When children or teenagers are involved

Sources used across this section
This section organises public guidance from Mind, Carers UK, Carers Trust, the NHS, Samaritans and the specialist organisations linked on each page.

Later checks: Mind guidance on looking after yourself while supporting someone checked: 25 September 2026.

Last full source check: 27 August 2026