Kelly's journey - Learning to self care as a carer

Rareminds CCO Kym Winters talks to Kelly Kearley, PTEN UK and Ireland Patient Group Manager, about her journey learning to care for herself while caring for her son with PTEN Hamartoma Tumour Syndrome (PHTS).

For more information about PTEN Hamartoma Tumour Syndrome (PHTS) visit https://ptenuki.org/.
For more information about looking after yourself as a carer visit our Wellbeing Hub: https://www.rareminds.org/wellbeing-hub/

Rareminds is a mental health charity providing counselling and mental wellbeing services for people impacted by rare genetic and undiagnosed conditions. And we believe that rare minds matter. We provide training and supervision for professionals and contribute to the bigger conversation about integrating mental health into rare disease care.

A big thank you to Chiesi, Parexel and Vertex for all their encouragement and being our inaugural podcast sponsors for 2024.

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If you are feeling overwhelmed do talk to someone straight away.
There are a range of organisations and helplines to support you:
NHS 111 (In Wales you can ‘dial 111, press 2’ to be transferred to a dedicated member of a mental health team in your local health board area).
Emergency Services on 999 or go straight to your nearest A & E.

You can also call a crisis line:

SHOUT provides free, 24/7 text support for people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis. All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with texts free from most mobile providers. Texts can be anonymous, but if the volunteer believes you are at immediate risk of harm, they may share your details with people who can provide support.
SHOUT: Text SHOUT to 85258

The Samaritans provide free 24 hour confidential support to anyone in emotional distress. Whatever you’re going through, you can call any time, from any phone for free. If it’s easier to write things down, you can also email your thoughts to [email protected] but be aware it may take several days to get a response by email. Samaritans: Phone 116 123Calm

Calm - Free helpline and livechat are open from 5pm to midnight every day for anyone over the age of 15. (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Phone 0800 58 58 58 or webchat.

If you are waiting for help, feeling ‘out of control ‘ or overwhelmed, MIND also has some strategies to help you cope and feel calmer. https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-h...