Supporting your mental health as a foster carer
Looking after your mental health as a foster carer is incredibly important. World Mental Health Day takes place in October, so what better time to consider how to boost your mental well-being?
While helping children and young people in need can be incredibly rewarding, it can also be difficult. Some foster carers may find it challenging to navigate the emotional complexities that can come with foster care, which might include dealing with behavioural challenges and hearing about childhood trauma.
At Unity Foster Care, the well-being of our foster carers and young people is extremely important to us. This is why we’re proud to offer 24/7 support.
In this blog, we’ll explore practical ways to support your mental health as a foster carer.
Acknowledge your emotions
It’s important to acknowledge that fostering is not always easy. You may experience a range of emotions, from joy and pride to frustration or sadness. Rather than suppressing these feelings, it’s important to acknowledge them. Sharing how you feel with others, whether that’s your supervising social worker, a fellow foster carer, or a close friend, can make a significant difference.
Allowing yourself to process your emotions will help you stay mentally resilient and better able to cope with the ups and downs of fostering.
Build a support network
You don’t have to go through your fostering journey alone. Connecting with other foster carers, joining local or online support groups, and keeping open communication with Unity Foster Care are great ways to build a support network. This network can provide a safe space to share experiences, gain advice, and feel supported by people who understand the unique challenges of fostering.
Take time for self-care
The demands of fostering can sometimes make it difficult to find time for yourself, but self-care is essential for your mental well-being. Whether it’s setting aside time for a hobby you enjoy, taking a walk in nature, or simply having a quiet cup of tea, these small acts of self-care can recharge your mental batteries.
You may also want to try mindfulness or relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. These can help reduce stress and provide a moment of calm amidst a busy day.
Set realistic expectations
One of the key challenges in fostering is managing expectations. Remember that fostering is a learning curve for everyone involved. It’s normal for children to test boundaries or struggle with their emotions, especially if they’ve experienced trauma.
Rather than striving for perfection, focus on making gradual progress and celebrating small victories. Be kind to yourself and recognise that you are doing your best.
Reach out for help
Sometimes, the emotional toll of fostering can become overwhelming. If you find that your mental health is suffering or you’re experiencing persistent anxiety, low mood, or exhaustion, don’t hesitate to reach out to Unity Foster Care. In some cases, you may benefit from professional support.
There are many options available, including counselling, therapy, or speaking with a GP. We can also direct you to mental health resources and support services.
Read our blog on nurturing resilience for more helpful information.
At Unity Foster Care, we are dedicated to supporting foster carers in Leeds, Yorkshire, and surrounding areas in the North East. This is why we have an on-call social worker 24/7, 365 days a year, for any issues outside of office hours.
If you are interested in making a difference in a child or young person’s life, get in touch today to learn more about fostering and how you can start your journey towards becoming a great foster carer. You’ll need to be over age 25, have an available spare bedroom, and have UK citizenship.
Start a conversation by calling us on 0333 772 2333. Alternatively, book an initial chat with our friendly advisor Gemma, who is here to answer any questions and guide you through the fostering process.