Hope and Resilience - Caring for Yourself While Supporting a Loved One with a Mental Illness
Tracks
Diamond Ballroom II: In-Person Only
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 |
2:15 PM - 2:35 PM |
Overview
Sophie Bretag, Metta Leaders
Presenter
Mrs Sophie Bretag
CEO
Metta Leaders
Hope and Resilience - Caring for Yourself While Supporting a Loved One with a Mental Illness
Abstract
A presentation sharing a personal journey as a caregiver and support for my husband who has a debilitating mental illness due to the pressures of being a Police Officer. We will explore the often-overlooked reality of caregivers who support individuals facing mental health challenges. This presentation emphasises the importance of self kindness and resilience amidst the overwhelming demands of caregiving. Attendees will discover practical, science-backed strategies to combat caregiver burnout and overwhelm, including the use of mindfulness techniques, stress reduction practices, and the vital importance of setting and maintaining healthy boundaries. By recognising the signs of stress and understanding the role of self kindness, caregivers can nurture their wellbeing while providing compassionate support to their loved ones. Together, we will uncover the light at the end of the tunnel and give hope to caregivers that they can thrive, not just survive.
Three Key Learnings:
This presentation aims to equip caregivers with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate their journey with compassion and strength.
1. Science-backed self kindness practices - attendees will learn practical tools to help reduce stress and improve emotional resilience.
2. The power of setting boundaries - why they're critical to protect their own mental health and to foster more healthy relationships with those they care for.
3. The importance of creating a support network and how to ask for help when they most need it.
Three Key Learnings:
This presentation aims to equip caregivers with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate their journey with compassion and strength.
1. Science-backed self kindness practices - attendees will learn practical tools to help reduce stress and improve emotional resilience.
2. The power of setting boundaries - why they're critical to protect their own mental health and to foster more healthy relationships with those they care for.
3. The importance of creating a support network and how to ask for help when they most need it.
Biography
Sophie is a Senior HR Consultant, Kindness Expert and the CEO and Founder of Metta Leaders. With a foundation in executive HR and emotional intelligence, her work is enriched by expertise in happiness coaching, positive psychology, meditation, breathwork, forest bathing therapy, and women’s leadership connection circles. She is passionate about creating spaces for true wellbeing and happiness, both at work and at home, and is currently writing her first book on kind leadership. She believes that kindness not only changes lives but helps us to thrive, instead of just survive—especially when navigating the unique challenges of caregiving.