Being a mum is always a big job, but when your child has a disability, the physical, mental, and emotional load can be enormous, and it can affect your health. If you’re feeling constantly anxious, exhausted or unwell, it’s important not to dismiss it as “just caring”; always check in with your GP to address any other health issues.
Your health matters, caring takes energy and resilience, and when you’re well, your whole family benefits.
It can be overwhelming deciding what to do first, and hard to fit in around all your existing responsibilities. Choosing one action and adding that to your to-do list is the best way to start.
Seeing your GP
Your GP can be your best ally in keeping well. From pregnancy and periods to menopause, there are many stages of life that affect energy, sleep, and wellbeing.
Regular check-ups can help you manage these changes and keep you healthy.
Your GP is also a good starting point for mental health support.
Keep up with health checks
It’s easy to put off your own appointments while juggling your child’s needs, but preventive health checks are vital. Staying up to date means health issues can be picked up early and treated before they become serious.
- Cervical screening (pap smear) – Women aged 25–74 are now offered a cervical screening test every five years. You can even choose to do a self-collected test at home or at your GP clinic. Learn more at the National Cervical Screening Program.
- Breast screening – Every 2 years for women aged 50–74, or earlier if you have a family history. Book a free mammogram through BreastScreen Victoria.
- Bowel cancer screening – If you’re over 50, you’ll receive a free home testing kit in the mail every 2 years. Simple, private, and life-saving. More info at the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
- Heart, diabetes and iron level checks – Your GP can do simple blood pressure and blood tests to catch problems early.
These checks are quick, free (or low-cost), and can make a huge difference to your long-term health. Note some checks are available earlier for those who are eligible.
Fitting in exercise
Physical activity not only improves your fitness but also reduces stress and lifts your mood. Even small steps, like a short daily walk, can make a difference.
Reclink Connect offers free online wellbeing classes via Zoom. Perfect for busy mums and anyone needing a flexible, inclusive way to move and feel good.
- Yoga, dance, fitness, Tai Chi & more
- Join from home, no travel, no fuss
- Seated & gentle options available
- Camera on or off your choice
- No sign-up needed, just click the same link each week
Subscribe for the weekly schedule and Zoom link.
Trusted health information
At times, women’s specific health issues can be overlooked. When you need reliable advice about women’s health, these organisations are excellent starting points:
- Jean Hailes provides evidence-based articles, fact sheets, and support covering menopause, mental health, pelvic pain, endometriosis, and more
- The Royal Women’s Hospital offers trusted information about pregnancy, birth, menopause, sexual health, and women’s health conditions
- 1800 My Options is a free, confidential phone and online service for Victorian women seeking information about contraception, pregnancy, fertility, abortion, and sexual health
- Healthy Mothers Healthy Families offers resources tailored to mums of children with disability, including research, practical strategies, and workshops to help improve your health and wellbeing
Support for safety and relationships
Caring can put extra pressure on relationships, and in some cases, it may raise issues of safety. There is help available:
- Relationships Victoria offers counselling, workshops, and relationship support services for individuals, couples, and families, including during separation
- Family Relationship Support for Carers provides families raising children with disability free short-term counselling. You can see a counsellor online or in person. Counselling can be for parents, siblings or couples, and the focus is to support you in your caring role
- Sexual Assault Services Victoria offers counselling, advocacy, and crisis care for people affected by sexual assault
- Safe Steps provides a 24/7 family violence crisis response service, offering emergency accommodation, safety planning, and support for women and children in Victoria
Mental health support
Getting mental health support can help. From counselling to helplines, talking with a trusted professional can help with mental health challenges. There are a range of options available:
- Counselling and wellbeing support – ACD’s guide has information about free options available for families
Connecting with others
Connecting with other mums who understand can help ease the load. There are lots of online and face-to-face options to share experiences, find encouragement, and access local supports. Find options near you.
Final thought
Taking care of your health is part of caring for your child and building strength for you and your family.
Useful links
Counselling and wellbeing support
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