NO CHOICE CARING

What's included in the workshop

A taste of the cards we use in the room. Two are unlocked here — tap them. The rest open during the workshop itself.

Triggers & how to respond

Tap to flip

Fear & Confusion

You may see:

Agitation, clinginess, repetitive questions, following you.

They may be saying:

"I don't understand what is happening."

How to respond:

Reassure, use simple language, maintain routines, stay visible.

Tap to flip

Loneliness / Separation anxiety

You may see:

Constant searching, calling out, distress when you leave.

They may be saying:

"Please don't leave me."

How to respond:

Reassure, leave visual reminders, explain when you are leaving and returning.

Unlocked at the workshop
Unlocked during the workshop
Unlocked at the workshop
Unlocked during the workshop
Unlocked at the workshop
Unlocked during the workshop
Unlocked at the workshop
Unlocked during the workshop
Unlocked at the workshop
Unlocked during the workshop
Unlocked at the workshop
Unlocked during the workshop

Behaviours

Tap to flip

The overwhelmed carer

You may see:

Frazzled, forgetful, disorganised, rushing, on edge.

What it may mean:

"I have too much to carry."

How to respond:

Pause. Prioritise. Ask for help. One thing at a time.

Tap to flip

The controlling carer

You may see:

Needs things done their way, struggles to delegate.

What it may mean:

"If I don't do it, it won't get done."

How to respond:

Share. Trust. Let go. Good enough is enough.

Unlocked at the workshop
Unlocked during the workshop
Unlocked at the workshop
Unlocked during the workshop
Unlocked at the workshop
Unlocked during the workshop
Unlocked at the workshop
Unlocked during the workshop
Unlocked at the workshop
Unlocked during the workshop
Unlocked at the workshop
Unlocked during the workshop

Workshop video

More resources

A small bit of fun — and a lot of help.

Take this quiz to find out what your carer animal is

Performing While Empty

A research initiative studying why millions of people continue to lead, care, and perform while running on empty — and how to move from survival to something more sustainable. Maurice is part of the team.

Visit performingwhileempty.org

Die on a Black Run, Not on the Toilet

Karen's book — raw, angry, darkly funny, and unflinchingly honest. A refusal to disappear politely into a PCA diagnosis. Some people fade away. Others take the black run.

Buy it on Amazon