Emotional & Mental Health Support for Caregivers
The old adage, “you can’t pour from an empty cup,” is true of caregivers, especially.
Taking care of another’s needs is special, but maybe you're feeling burnt out? Caregivers who are overworked and overwhelmed tend to:
- be sleep-deprived
- have poor eating habits
- lack exercise
- often slack on taking care of their medical needs
While not medical advice, here are a few pointers to help you refill your cup as a caregiver. You deserve it. And for a deeper dive into mental and emotional care, we always suggest connecting with a mental health expert - you have support though your employer.
1. Recognize What’s Stopping You
When life gets too busy it’s hard to take a pause and understand why you're strung out. Sure, the work itself is hard, but if you can't bounce back - something else may be up.
If this is the case, then work with a mental health professional to identify the boundaries that are being crossed in your life. We have to set our boundaries—even with the people we love most.
2. Define Your Needs & Ask For Them
Setting boundaries around your availability is great step. Check in with yourself - what do you need and how can you get those needs met?
Ask for help. If an extra responsibility is too much for you, or if you can’t commit to what you had already agreed to, that’s okay. Hold a family/caregiver meeting to start the convo.
You have company benefits available for emotional and financial support.
3. Take Care of Your Physical Health
Take care of your mental health with your physical health. Exercising and diet (not dieting), can increase happiness and wellbeing in adults and kids.
Go to the doctor, don't wait. If you’ve been putting off medical check ups, now is the time to schedule them. Pull in support to cover any care gaps while you go.
Here are some ways to prioritize your physical health:
- Go for a walk every day or get outside for a few minutes every day.
- Be sure to have your routine checkups. Take time for your medical journey needs.
- Think of foods that bring you joy and make you feel good after eating them.
Resources For You
Schedule a mental health session through your benefits
Watch our webinar: Love & Being Loved, Mental Health for Parents and Caregivers
