Caring for the Caregiver: Preventing Your Own Burnout
Supporting someone through a mental health crisis is emotionally and physically draining. It is a marathon, not a sprint. If you don’t take care of yourself, you risk `burnout`, which will make you less effective at helping your loved one. Your well-being is not a luxury; it is a necessity.
Set Healthy Boundaries
You cannot be available 24/7, and it is not healthy to try. It is okay—and essential—to set limits. You are not their therapist. You can be supportive without taking on responsibility for their feelings or their recovery. It’s okay to say, “I love you, and I am here for you, but I need to take an hour for myself right now.” Or, “I can listen for the next 20 minutes, but then I need to focus on my work.” Boundaries protect your relationship and your own mental health.
Maintain Your Own Routines
When you’re focused on someone else’s crisis, it’s easy to let your own self-care slide. Make a conscious effort to protect the pillars of your own health. Prioritize getting enough sleep. Eat regular, nourishing meals. Get some form of physical movement each day, even if it’s just a 15-minute walk. These are not selfish acts; they are what will give you the strength to continue providing support.
Find Your Own Support
You need a place to vent, to process your own feelings of fear, frustration, and sadness. You cannot do this alone. Reach out to a trusted friend, another family member, or a professional therapist for yourself. Caregiver support groups can also be invaluable. Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offer free support groups for family members, providing a community of people who understand exactly what you’re going through. You can find general U.S. resources at MentalHealth.gov and SAMHSA.
