“I Was Purely Surviving”: Darren’s Story
How the RESET Carers Programme helped Darren find space for himself
Darren and his wife have a busy household with four young children under the age of eight. Alongside the demands of family life, Darren also cares for his wife by providing emotional support for her mental health. With so much resting on his shoulders, the pressure of caring began to take its toll.
Darren shares how the RESET Carers Programme helped him cope with his demanding lifestyle, manage stress, and begin making time for his own wellbeing.
The RESET Carers Programme is a free 10-week therapeutic programme designed to address the challenges and difficulties that Carers face.
Life Before RESET
Before RESET I was purely surviving! Taking one day at a time, I was highly stressed with the care of my wife and family but continuing to give myself to the care of others. I was reacting to any aggravation with a short temper and not caring about myself or my house due to feeling completely exhausted. Purely going through the motions.
Knowing I Needed Help
I realised I needed to seek help before I crumbled and had a mental breakdown myself!
Taking the First Step
When I found this RESET course, it intrigued me as an idea to reset and recharge my energy for life so to enable me to continue with my caring responsibilities before I completely burnt out. The biggest hurdle was arranging for the time to attend the course, trusting that my wife would be ok whilst I was not at home and agreeing to do something for myself for a change.
What Changed for Me
Having now nearly completed the course it has shown me that I can take time out for myself and my wife will be ok. With the correct communication and preparation, I can do things that I enjoy and in doing so improve my overall outlook, henceforth giving me a more controlled energy to put into my caring responsibilities. So, although essentially life is much the same with the environment around me, I personally feel more able to cope and better portion my time for daily tasks.
Tools I Can Use Every Day
I can use techniques like breathing exercises, going for a walk or reading a book to regulate my emotions. The course has also taught me to recognize my emotional triggers and therefore be better positioned to control the reaction when they inevitably occur. The intense breathwork has also taught me I need to let go more often and not be afraid to show my emotions, but also to be thankful that I am shaped the way I am through my learned experiences. Thanks so much to Alex.
About the RESET Carers Programme
Delivered in Moseley, the RESET Carers Programme offers a safe, supportive space to explore stress, emotional wellbeing, and the realities of caring.
What you can expect:
- A 10-week structured therapeutic programme
- Practical tools such as breathwork and reflection
- A supportive environment with other Carers
- Time to focus on your own wellbeing
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in “survival mode”, you’re not alone — and support is available.
Join the RESET Carers Programme and start reconnecting with yourself.
Carers can email carers@resetpsychology.co.uk with any questions or requests to join the waiting list.
