Invisible battles:

How we support those caring for someone with a psychological injury

Behind every person living with a psychological injury, there is a carer – a spouse, parent, sibling, or friend, sometimes quietly fighting their own invisible battle. Carers often carry a heavy load, juggling the emotional toll of supporting their loved one while often neglecting their own needs.

At The Ripple Pond, we see and recognise these carers. We understand the complex emotions they face – the exhaustion, guilt, frustration, and love that can sometimes feel overwhelming all at once. Our mission is to provide a safe space for them, to empower and support them in their journey. Because we know that to best care for someone else, carers must also feel cared for themselves.

The hidden strain of caring

Caring for someone with a psychological injury can  be very different from caring for someone with a visible wound or illness. A psychological injury – such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges – is often misunderstood by society, making the carer’s role even more isolating.

Psychological injuries can arise from various traumatic experiences, including military service, accidents, abuse, or other life-altering events. These injuries often manifest in unpredictable ways, with symptoms such as flashbacks, mood swings, emotional numbness, or difficulty coping with daily life. For carers, this can mean living with regular uncertainty, adjusting to their loved one’s needs while managing their own emotions.

Recognising the needs of carers

At The Ripple Pond, we believe that carers need and deserve their own support network – a space where they can express their feelings without judgment and find solace in the understanding of others who truly get it.

Carers, especially when new to the role can sacrifice their own well-being, putting their needs on hold to prioritise their loved one’s care. Over time, this can lead to physical exhaustion, emotional burnout, and even mental health challenges of their own. One of our key goals is to remind carers that their well-being matters too.

The power of peer support

At The Ripple Pond, we’ve seen the transformative power of peer support for carers. Our groups and networks provide a safe, confidential space where carers can share their experiences, vent their frustrations, and celebrate their small wins – all in the company of others who truly understand their journey.

There is something uniquely healing about connecting with someone who has walked a similar path.

In our peer support groups, carers often find that they don’t need to explain themselves – the nods of understanding, the shared language of experience, and the mutual empathy create an immediate sense of belonging.

Through these connections, carers realise that they are not alone. They gain practical advice, emotional support, and a renewed sense of strength to continue their journey. Most importantly, they learn that it’s okay to put themselves first sometimes and that their health and happiness are also essential, not optional.

Breaking the silence

One of the biggest barriers carers face is silence. Psychological injuries can come with a stigma that discourages open conversations, leaving carers to shoulder their struggles alone. They may feel uncomfortable speaking about their loved one’s condition with others who aren’t in the same situation for fear of being judged for their own feelings.

At The Ripple Pond, we are committed to breaking this silence. We work to normalise conversations about both psychological and physical injuries and the impact they have on carers. By shining a light on these invisible battles, we aim to reduce stigma and encourage more carers to seek the support they need.

We also advocate for carers’ voices to be heard. Too often, carers feel invisible – their concerns dismissed, their needs overlooked. We believe that carers are an essential part of the support network for those with psychological injuries and that their experiences deserve recognition and respect. We want all of our Members to feel seen, heard and supported.

Tailored support for every journey

We recognise that caring for someone with a psychological injury is not a one-size-fits-all journey. It can involve navigating complex healthcare systems, managing unpredictable behaviours, and finding ways to support recovery while maintaining balance at home. That can look different for everyone. Through our resources, signposting, and connections, we aim to equip carers with the tools and knowledge they need to face these challenges.

For many carers, simply knowing that someone is there to listen, without judgment or expectation can make all the difference.

Building resilience

Caring for someone with a psychological injury is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, compassion, and resilience. At The Ripple Pond, we help carers build this resilience, reminding them of their own strength and empowering them to set boundaries, ask for help, and prioritise their self-care.

Resilience doesn’t mean never feeling overwhelmed or upset – it means recognising when you need support and having the courage to reach out for it. It means finding moments of joy amidst the challenges and holding onto hope, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.

A community of understandin

The Ripple Pond is more than a support network – it’s a 1200 strong community of likeminded people. It’s a place where carers can find not only guidance but also friendship, solidarity, and hope.

If you are caring for someone with a psychological injury, know that you are not alone. Your struggles are valid, your efforts are valued, and your well-being also matters. The Ripple Pond is here to walk alongside you, to provide the support and connection you need to navigate your journey.

Together, we can face these invisible battles – and together, we can create a world where carers are seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.