Health News - Artist uses creative outlet to analyse the strain put on those who look after family members

Published: 12 May, 2011
by TOM FOOT

WHO will help you when you start to lose the plot, or can no longer get out of your house?

Thousands of people are living extraordinary lives as family “carers” in Camden, working on a hidden NHS frontline, around the clock, with barely a break or any financial reward. 

Many quit their jobs to look after their loved ones, and become ill themselves through exhaustion. 

But harbouring resentment can feel callous or even taboo. 

The psychological effects of being a family carer should not be underestimated, according to Camden art psycho­therapist Nicky Sutton.

She said: “There is so much loss. So much pain. So much to adjust to, and to cope with. So much emotion. Perhaps a loss of self-esteem, or anger.

“You might be thinking about your willingness to do this, to look after your loved ones. 

“It might challenge your perception of relationships of people. 

“You might think that it is your turn to be cared for. Because being a carer sounds like a job, but it isn’t professional.

“Carers don’t have a choice, and it can be quite a strain. Thankfully, the government recognises this.”

Ms Sutton, who lives in Islington and used to work for Camden Council, runs art therapy sessions at the Charlie Ratchford Centre, Chalk Farm.

Carers go to the centre and express themselves through drawings or paintings that are analysed by Ms Sutton. 

“It might be collages, drawings, cut-outs, newspapers, traditional painting – anything really,” he said. 

“It will be based on some experience, but it doesn’t have to have any particular background. Sometimes, counselling and psychotherapy can take a long time to disclose elements of a person’s life, it can take a while to get things out. Image-making can communicate on so many ­levels.”

Part of the process is simply giving carers a bit of time to themselves.

Ms Sutton said: “A lot of people say they didn’t think they’d be able to make that time for themselves – and they are surprised when they come back. For some, it is important for them to have a social activity.”

Ms Sutton is a Fine Art graduate and later rea­lised she was interested in analysing the psychological messages hidden in paintings.

“Art therapy” has been around since the Second World War, when doctors started noticing that patients who created paintings got better faster.

It is now commonplace for health centres to have exhibitions of paintings by patients or other art on the walls. 

The walls of the Kentish Town Health Centre and Highgate Mental Health Centre are plastered in art.

Next month, it is Camden Carers’ Week and there will be events all around the borough organised by Camden Cares Centre.

• Visit www.camdencarers.org.uk or for information about Ms Sutton’s art therapy see
www.arttherapyspace.co.uk