While my friends were focused on school, hobbies, and teenage milestones, my reality revolved around hospital visits, emotional stress, and responsibilities far beyond my years.

What I didn’t realise at the time was that I was one of millions of young carers in the UK, silently navigating the challenges of looking after a loved one while trying to hold on to a sense of normality. Like many others, I struggled with burnout, anxiety, and loneliness, but I rarely spoke about it. Asking for help felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford.

Fast forward to today, and I’m still a carer this time as a mother to my little boy and still supporting my mum. But there’s one major difference: I’ve created Harmonai, a wellbeing platform designed to support carers like me.

The overlooked mental health crisis among carers

Carers play a critical role in society, yet their mental and emotional well-being is often neglected. According to Carers UK:

• 72% of carers experience mental health struggles such as depression and anxiety
• 79% report feeling stressed or anxious on a regular basis
• 50% feel isolated and lonely due to their responsibilities

These statistics paint a stark reality, one that I’ve lived through first-hand. The emotional toll of caregiving can be overwhelming, yet many carers don’t seek support because of stigma, lack of time, or simply not knowing where to turn.

That’s where Harmonai comes in.

How Harmonai is changing the game for carers

I founded Harmonai with a simple but powerful mission: to provide accessible, judgment-free mental health support for carers.

AI therapist & emotional support

Harmonai offers an AI-powered companion designed to help carers process their emotions, manage stress, and build resilience. Whether it’s a tough day or just a moment of overwhelm, our AI provides personalised guidance – 24/7, whenever and wherever you need it.

A safe & supportive community

Beyond AI, we’re building a community space where carers can connect, share experiences, and uplift one another. No one should feel alone in their caregiving journey, and by fostering a peer-to-peer support network, we’re ensuring that carers always have a place to turn.

Personal wellbeing

From stress management techniques to self-care resources, Harmonai is designed to help carers not only survive but thrive. Our approach integrates behavioural therapy techniques with real-life advice, tailored specifically for those balancing the complexities of caregiving.

Why this mission matters – especially for women!

For International Women’s Day, it’s crucial to recognise that women make up the majority of unpaid carers. Whether as mothers, daughters, sisters, or friends, women often take on emotional and physical caregiving responsibilities – many times without support.

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Accelerate Action’, and that’s exactly what we’re striving for at Harmonai. We want carers – especially women – to have the resources and ability to feel seen, valued, and empowered to care for themselves as much as they care for others.

Let’s support our carers

Carers shouldn’t have to struggle alone. Whether you are a carer yourself, know someone who is, or work in an organisation that supports carers, there are ways to make a difference:

• Acknowledge the carers in your life and ask how they’re doing
• Advocate for better workplace and university support for carers
• Support initiatives like Harmonai that provide much-needed mental health resources

At Harmonai, we believe that every carer deserves support, understanding, and a space to prioritise their own well-being. I hope my journey and the creation of Harmonai serves as a reminder that while caregiving can be challenging, no one has to face it alone.