From carer to carefree? How to move on from years of devotion after a loved one dies | Gaynor Parkin

Reports from the Carers Trust estimate the number of unpaid carers could be as high as 10.6 million in the UK .

Approximately three in five people will be unpaid carer at some point in their lives.

A significant number of carers say caring has a negative impact on their mental health.

While support during the care journey is important, so too is recognition and help after the person being cared for has died.

Perhaps it’s time to understand the load of caregiving better, and better support one another as we navigate all the messy emotions of love, life and loss.

All of these women have given permission for their stories to be shared. Some details have been changed for privacy. Gaynor Parkin is a clinical psychologist and founder at Button Psychology .