The transition can bring complicated feelings of guilt and shame, alongside joy and a sense of relief. New research shows these experiences can coexist

• The modern mind is a column where experts discuss mental health issues they are seeing in their work

Carers, people who provide unpaid support to family members and friends with health impairments – be that illness, frailty, disability or otherwise – are common among us. Reports from the Carers Trust estimate the number of unpaid carers could be as high as 10.6 million in the United Kingdom. Approximately three in five people will be unpaid carers at some point in their lives, with a significant number who say caring has a negative impact on their mental health. In Australia estimates are similar, with nearly 12% of the adult population taking on caring roles.

These statistics highlight the prevalence of caregiving, but hide the complexities of carers’ experiences, as well as the profound changes to the lives they knew. While support during the care journey is important, so too is recognition and help after the person being cared for has died.