The Silent Sufferer
Supporting Carers at Risk
An online seminar exploring the emotional, psychological and physical impact of caring for someone who displays aggressive behaviour.
Monday 27 July 2026
7:00pm to 8:00pm
Online via Microsoft Teams
Meeting link: Carers the silent sufferers | Microsoft Teams | Meet-up-Join
Carers Need Care Too
Caring for a relative, friend or another person can be deeply rewarding, but it can also become overwhelming when the person receiving care displays aggressive, threatening or abusive behaviour.
The Silent Sufferer examines the experiences of carers who may be coping with aggression, emotional pressure, trauma or fear while carrying out their caring responsibilities.
The session provides a compassionate and supportive space to explore the impact these experiences can have on a carer’s:
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Psychological wellbeing
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Emotional health
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Physical health
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Confidence and decision-making
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Relationships and daily life
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Ability to continue in their caring role
Many carers experience these difficulties quietly because of fear, guilt, responsibility or concern about what may happen if they ask for help.
This seminar brings those hidden experiences into the conversation.
Not all wounds are visible. Not all pain is heard.
What the Seminar Will Explore
Understand
Explore how aggressive behaviour, abuse, trauma and prolonged stress can affect the health and wellbeing of carers.
The session will consider why carers may find it difficult to recognise or speak about what they are experiencing and how repeated exposure to stressful situations can affect the body and mind.
Learn
Develop an understanding of self-healing and nervous system literacy.
Participants will explore how repeated reactions, emotional cycles and behavioural patterns may arise from the body’s natural survival responses.
The workshop will examine:
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Why certain reactions and choices can feel difficult to change
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How the nervous system responds to fear and prolonged stress
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How emotional patterns can become repeated cycles
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Why recognising these patterns is an important first step towards change
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The relationship between trauma, behaviour and wellbeing
Heal
The seminar will explore ways of moving from dysregulation and emotional overwhelm towards:
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Greater clarity
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Calm and emotional awareness
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Healthier responses
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Resilience
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Self-leadership
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Recovery and personal wellbeing
The session will also consider how carers can begin to manage trauma connected with abuse or other distressing situations.
Key Discussion Areas
Aggressive Behaviour Towards Carers
Understanding the impact of caring for someone who directs aggression, anger or harmful behaviour towards the person supporting them.
Carers’ Mental Health
Exploring how prolonged caring pressures can affect emotional wellbeing, confidence, sleep, relationships and everyday life.
Trauma and Survival Responses
Understanding how the body and nervous system respond to repeated stress, fear and traumatic situations.
Abuse Within a Caring Relationship
Recognising that harmful behaviour can occur within caring relationships and that carers have the right to seek help and support.
Self-Healing and Recovery
Introducing practical insights that may help participants recognise emotional patterns and begin moving towards greater stability and self-awareness.
Breaking the Silence
Encouraging carers to speak about their experiences without shame, judgement or fear.
Who Is This Seminar For?
This session may be helpful for:
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Unpaid carers
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Family carers
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Friends supporting someone with additional needs
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People caring for someone who displays aggressive behaviour
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Carers who feel emotionally or physically overwhelmed
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Professionals working with carers
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Community organisations
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Anyone interested in carers’ wellbeing, trauma awareness and recovery
You do not need to share personal information or speak during the session. You are welcome to attend, listen and take part at your own pace.
Facilitators
Valma James
Registered General Nurse, Social Worker and Community Advocate
Valma James has professional experience in nursing, social work, community engagement and carers’ wellbeing. She is also the presenter of Your Body Is Your Temple on Bedfordshire Health Radio and leads community initiatives through BCE Hub.
Joanne Bray
Trauma Specialist
Joanne Bray brings knowledge of trauma awareness, self-healing and nervous system literacy. Her work helps people understand how survival responses can shape repeated reactions and emotional patterns, supporting movement towards greater calm, clarity and self-leadership.