The Emotional Side of Caregiving

The Emotions No One Talks About in Caregiving

One day you're scared, the next day anxious, the next day angry.

These are all very real emotions, and they are typical emotions of a caregiver. We are fighting more battles than anyone could ever imagine, and we are expected to handle it all while managing our own emotions, which isn't always easy.

When the Hospital Becomes Part of Life

I remember Angelo's first hospital admission after he came to live with us. I don't think I slept for about four days, and I know I sure as hell didn't eat well because my nerves were so bad. The thought of going to work every day and not being in the hospital with him broke my heart. Forget about getting any work done while he was admitted.

Hospital stays don't just affect the person receiving care. They affect the entire family, and caregivers often carry the emotional weight of it all.

The Responsibilities Behind the Scenes

Caregivers carry a lot during hospital stays. We have to make sure we inform the medical team of everything they need to know, understand what the medical team is telling us, and keep track of all the details.

On top of that, we have to relay the necessary information to private duty nurses and notify school staff of any updates that may impact the school day. Every decision, every piece of information, and every change matters.

The Stigma Around Caregiver Emotions

But what most caregivers don't talk about are the emotions that come with all of this. Society often has a negative view of anxiety and depression, which makes many people hesitant to speak openly about it. There are some days when the only thing we are able to do it make sure our child is taken care of.

Just because someone feels anxious or depressed does not mean they are incapable of caring for another person. In fact, many caregivers continue showing up every single day despite exhaustion, fear, and emotional stress.

Seeing the People Behind the Caregiving

Caregivers are not superheroes, even though many of us try to be. We are human beings doing the best we can in situations most people will never fully understand.

Behind every medical appointment, therapy session, hospital stay, and late night of worry is someone carrying an enormous amount of responsibility and love. Many caregivers move through their days quietly holding it all together because someone they love depends on them.

My hope in sharing this is that caregivers reading this know they are not alone in these feelings. And for those outside the caregiving world, I hope it brings a little more understanding and compassion for what caregivers experience every single day.

Sometimes the strongest thing a caregiver can do is simply keep showing up.