Caring for a loved one with a stoma although rewarding, will no doubt lead to some stressful times, and it is vital that you care for yourself too. If you are physically and emotionally healthy, it will help both you and the person you are caring for.

If you feel you are struggling to cope, some of these self-care tips may be useful:

• Eat a well-balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids.
• Exercise regularly by taking short walks.
• Try to get a good night’s sleep – avoiding caffeine, limiting screen time, having a warm bath before bed could help.
• Don’t try to fit too much into your day, and schedule in some relaxation such as reading, watching a favourite TV programme or listening to music.
• It’s good to talk, so why not call a friend or family member for a chat.
• Don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for help.

You should also remember that you are not alone if you are feeling worried or overwhelmed. Talking to your loved one’s stoma care nurse could be a useful first step to finding practical solutions. Connecting with people in a similar situation by joining a support group or seeking online advice and tips could also be helpful.

To support you as much as possible we have created a leaflet dedicated to carers, for friends and family caring for ostomates. It aims to help you to understand what happens during and after stoma surgery and give practical tips on how you can help your loved one. You can download it here.