You finally sit down. Then you remember the prescription refill. The appointment to schedule. The phone call you still need to make. Even when you stop moving, your mind may keep going.
November is National Family Caregivers Month. As a former hospice social worker, I wanted my first blog entry to recognize caregivers and the support you deserve.
Maybe you are helping an aging parent or caring for a partner. Perhaps you are supporting someone from a distance. However caregiving looks for you, it can ask a lot.
You can love someone deeply and still feel exhausted. You may experience a roller coaster of emotions. You can feel grateful and frustrated in the same afternoon. That is OK. Your feelings are valid.
Here are five gentle places to begin. You do not need to try them all.
1. Notice what you need
Before moving to the next task, pause for a moment. Ask yourself: “What do I need right now?”
Maybe it’s lunch. A glass of water. A chance to cry. Someone who will listen without giving advice.
You may not be able to meet every need immediately. Simply noticing helps you to make room for what you need in the moment.
2. Make one specific request
“Let me know if you need anything” can be hard to answer when you are already overwhelmed.
Try asking for one clear task: “Could you pick up groceries on Tuesday?” or “Can you take Dad to his appointment?”
The request does not have to be big. Even one small task taken off your list can help.
3. Practice boundaries
You are allowed to consider and verbalize what you can realistically manage.
Try: “I can help tomorrow morning.” Or: “We need another plan for next week.”
You do not have to explain every feeling to communicate a limit. Your needs matter when deciding what you can manage.
4. Give guilt a gentler response
Guilt may show up when you rest or wish you had more time for yourself.
Try telling yourself: “Needing a break does not change how much I care.”
You do not have to wait until you feel comfortable accepting help. Start with one small step that feels possible today.
5. Let someone support you
You may be used to being the person everyone turns to. It can feel unfamiliar to need support yourself.
Ask family or friends for support. If help is limited, local organizations may help you explore available services. Your Area Agency on Aging or United Way’s 211 can be a starting point.
A trusted friend or caregiver support group can offer connection. Therapy can provide space to talk honestly about the worry and changing relationships that caregiving can bring.
You do not need to reach a breaking point to ask for help.
At Holding Space Therapy, I support women experiencing caregiver stress and burnout. I offer in-person therapy in Grand Rapids and telehealth throughout Michigan.
Visit holdingspace4women.com to learn more or ask about a complimentary 15-minute consultation.
Thanks for being here and I hope this blog is helpful, Gina 💛