MORE than three-quarters of unpaid carers in Scotland feel lonely or socially isolated, a new survey has found.
A total of 83 per cent said they felt that way due to the pressures of caring for loved ones.
Carers who report feeling lonely are almost twice as likely to have poor mental health then their less isolated peers, at 81 per cent compared to 42 per cent. They are also at an increased risk of suffering physical ill health than carers who do not feel lonely, at 68 per cent compared to 38 per cent.
The study of 648 carers across Scotland for charities Carers Scotland and Carers UK found a reluctance to talk to others about caring was a key barrier to inclusion at work, home and in the community.
Simon Hodgson, Carers Scotland director, said: “Caring touches all our lives yet society and public services often fail to grasp how isolating looking after a loved one can be.
“Caring for someone is one of the most important things we do, but without support to have a life outside caring it can be incredibly lonely, worsened by financial pressures, poor understanding from friends and colleagues, and a lack of regular breaks.
“Given the significant mental and physical health benefits of breaking this isolation, we’re asking everyone to start a conversation about caring.”
More than a third (35 per cent) feel uncomfortable talking to friends about caring, and a similar proportion feel isolated at work due to care responsibilities (34 per cent).
Lack of understanding from others, having little time or money to socialise, and the difficulty of leaving the house due to caring commitments are the main reasons given for feelings of loneliness or social isolation.
The report is part of the charities’ work as a founding partner of the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness, set up by the former MP before her murder, which aims to encourage conversation about loneliness and urges people to help destigmatise the issue.
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