I am caring for my mum who was diagnosed with terminal cancer three years ago. I am working full time as well as look after grandchildren once a week. I have had to go off sick at the moment as not coping well with dealing with carers rota or dealing with mum myself. She is very argumentative as she is frustrated but I am responding badly. My doctor has suggested I contact Macmillan about counselling, can you please advise how I can access this?
Hello caring for mum3bd23a
Thank you for reaching out to the Macmillan Online Community, my name is Katie, and I am a Cancer Information and Support Advisor. I’m sorry to hear about your Mum’s health, it sounds like there is such a lot going on for you with Mum’s health, caring for Mum, looking after grandchildren and work – there is such a lot to balance caring for mum3bd23a it’s no surprise you feel they way you do. I am glad you have reached out to us, and we are here to support you. I would like to link some guidance around emotional support and caring for a loved one, as well as some links for counselling support. I hope that you find this useful.
Emotional support for family and friends | Macmillan Cancer Support.
Emotional effects of caring for someone with cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support
Understanding work rights as a carer for someone with cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support
I feel it would also be worth looking at carers support through Carers UK and Carers Trust both of which can look at well-being and possible counselling support.
Talking through how you are feeling can be beneficial and counselling can be a helpful way to work through your feelings and find ways to work with these feelings. Here is some guidance around counselling and talking therapies, I encourage for you to take a read through this - Talking therapy, counselling and support groups for cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support
We are also here to support you we’re here 7 days a week 8am-8pm they can call our helpline on 0808 808 0000, through Chat online | Macmillan Cancer Support and Email the Macmillan Support Line - Macmillan Cancer Support. We provide emotional support – a place to talk through how you are feeling, ways to work with this as well as providing guidance around accessing practical support. We also have helpline nurses and a Money team should that be needed.
Please take care, and reach out should you need to.
Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email.
