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Published Sep 1, 2023 4 mins Reading time Back to articles

One of the most selfless acts a person can do is caring for a family member with special needs. Taking care of them day in and day out and prioritising their needs over yourself is an act of service that is not comparable by any other activity. Unfortunately, it is also one of the hardest things a person can do. If you are reading this blog, chances are that you are walking the same path presently. And if no one has told you lately. You are doing an incredible job.

But even superheroes need support.

Both caregiver and loved one looking happy because the caregiver found ways of coping with caregiving and preventing caregiver burnout.

Coping with Caregiving: Supporting Your Mental Health While Caring for a Disabled Family Member

When you’re the one keeping track of you loves ones’ medications, appointments, and emotional needs, along with juggling your own life, the emotional toll can be heavy. It is quite possible and only human for sadness, guilt, frustration, and even resentment to creep in. When this happens, it is important to know that feeling this way is a natural consequence of continuously and selflessly giving yourself to someone and it does not make you a bad person.

Coping with caregiving and preventing caregiver burnout is more than just a topic. It is a necessary topic that needs to be discussed to ease the reality that many people face in silence for the sake of their loved ones.

What coping looks like (and it is different for everyone)

There is no standardised guideline or a “one size fits all” approach to preventing caregiver burnout. But here are a few strategies that may help lighten the emotional load and promote coping with caregiving:

Talk about it-

Find your tribe of people who understand the way you feel. This may be a support group, or even a friend who listens to you without judgement. Do not keep your feeling bottled up.

Give yourself permission to rest-

To take effectively take care of your loved ones, it is also important for you to take care of yourself. Take breaks as even a few moments of peace and quiet can reset your mind more than you think.

Ask for help-

We get the feeling of you wanting to be there for your loved ones, but you do not have to do everything yourself. Reach out to community services, NDIS providers, or other family members who can help share the load.

Celebrate small wins-

Did you successfully make it through a tough day or managed to keep your loved one safe and happy? These are huge wins, so make sure you celebrate them.

Preventing caregiver burnout

Preventing caregiver burnout is not just about taking care of yourself, it is about noticing signs and pulling back in time so that you can continue showing up for your loved one in a sustainable way.

Watch for signs like:

Emotional exhaustion

Increased irritability

Trouble sleeping

Feeling detached or hopeless

If you resonate with any of these signs, it is time to hit pause and refocus on yourself. You need to figure out ways for coping with caregiving that are beneficial to you because taking care of yourself is also taking care of them.

You deserve support too

So many caregivers feel invisible. But your feelings, your energy, and your health matter just as much as the person you’re caring for. Whether you're in this role short-term or for life, know that there's no shame in needing support. It’s not a sign of weakness—it’s a step toward balance.

If you’re struggling with coping with caregiving, know that you are not alone. Help is out there, and you deserve to feel supported every step of the way.

Remember that You are seen. You are valued. You are not alone.