April 1st is National Caregiver Day

Honouring the Strength of Caregivers on National Caregiver Day 

Today, CMHA Brant Haldimand Norfolk joins individuals and organizations across the country in recognizing National Caregiver Day, a day dedicated to honouring the countless individuals who provide unpaid care to a loved one in need. 

Every year, on the first Tuesday of April, we take a moment to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of caregivers—whether they are parents, children, siblings, spouses, or friends—who support someone with a diminishing physical ability, a cognitive condition, or a chronic illness. 

The mental health impact of caregiving 

Caregiving is a full-time role and one that is often invisible and comes with immense emotional and physical demands. Many caregivers experience stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression due to the weight of responsibility. Studies show that caregivers are more likely to experience poor mental health, particularly as they balance caregiving with other responsibilities like work and family. 

Additionally, as more Canadians choose to age at home, caregivers are taking on greater roles in providing support. Without proper resources and mental health care, the strain of caregiving can affect not only the caregiver’s well-being but also the quality of life of the person receiving care. 

Supporting caregivers’ mental health 

At our branch, we recognize the emotional and mental toll of caregiving and are committed to offering resources that help caregivers feel supported. Our Family Support Program provides information and group support programs for family members supporting a person living with mental illness.

The Families Caring, Families Sharing Program provides information and support to families, and the 8-week NAMI Family to Family Education series provides psycho-educational information to families wanting to learn more about mental illness and how to support their family members.

Provincially, caregivers can access mental health support through the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program, which provides free, evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy for adults experiencing depression and anxiety. More information is available on the Ontario Health website. 

Caregiving is more than just managing daily tasks—it’s about emotional resilience and confidence. With the right support, caregivers can transition from uncertainty to strength, find clear answers to pressing questions, and navigate their journey with greater ease. 

This National Caregiver Day, let’s recognize the dedication of caregivers and ensure they’re not carrying the burden alone.