Charity launches free therapy sessions for 'utterly broken' care workers struggling with anxiety, depression and PTSD

Care workers are struggling with insomnia, anxiety, depression and PTSD due to the COVID-19 pandemic according to the Care Workers Charity, which is offering free therapy sessions to help them with their mental health.

Care workers in both care homes and home care have been on the frontline during the pandemic caring for the vulnerable and the isolated.

Care home workers have had to cope with deaths on a scale they haven’t experienced before with some of them even moving into the home and away from the support of their families to protect residents from the virus.

One care worker said: “I had got to the point, where I felt so utterly broken, that I regularly contemplated overdosing…I saw that as my only escape and a solution to my situation. I felt there was absolutely no point in going on. I felt worthless. I had lost all hope. I could not see my way forward.”

Another care worker said: “I experienced sleepless nights and panic attacks, worried if I was going to bring this terrible virus home to my family.”

Therapy can be expensive and so to ensure care workers get the right support, the Care Workers Charity (CWC) has launched its Mental Health Support Programme. The Programme will provide up to 10 sessions with a qualified therapist through Red Umbrella, an accredited mental health organisation. The cost of all these sessions will be paid for by The Care Workers Charity.

Karolina Gerlich, executive director of The Care Workers Charity said: “Everyday care workers go above and beyond to provide much needed support - this has been especially true during the pandemic, which has put their mental health under additional strain.

“The experiences of the care workers we support are at the heart of our Charity, and our grants making process gives applicants the space to voice worries and concerns - of which mental ill health is the most prevalent.”

She added: "Risking their lives as they continue to care for the most vulnerable on the frontline of the pandemic, social care workers urgently need, and deserve, our support. This Programme is only possible because of the funding we receive - if you would like to help us to support care workers in crisis, please consider donating to our Appeal."

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