by: Divya Krishna, Rehabilitation Psychologist & ABA Therapist- Prayana, Kochi.
When we see a differently-abled person, we often think about the struggles they face and the challenges in their daily lives. While this is important, society tends to focus only on their difficulties and forget about the caregivers who support them. Caregivers face their struggles, which are just as important to acknowledge and understand. Emotional burnout from constant caregiving, the physical demands of their role, and the burden of medical costs can take a serious toll on their well-being. Caregivers deserve the same level of attention and support as the individuals they care for, and it’s important to address their challenges with empathy.
MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES
Some caregivers experience feelings of guilt, believing that their actions may have contributed to their loved one’s disability. For some parents, accepting that their child has a disability can be a long and difficult process, often involving a stage of denial.
Caregivers who are completely focused on caring for their loved one, often at the expense of their own life, may begin to lose their sense of self. As they stop prioritizing their own well-being, they may experience a loss of identity, which can lead to even more emotional and physical challenges.
Additionally, caregivers often face the difficulty of managing the challenging behaviors of children with special needs or disabilities. Not knowing how to handle these behaviors can be mentally exhausting and emotionally draining, leaving the caregiver feeling unsure and overwhelmed.
NON STOP WORRYING
One of the biggest concerns caregivers face is the fear of the future. They constantly worry about what will happen to the person they are caring for once they are no longer around. Questions like, “How will they live on their own?” “Can they find a job?” or “Will they be able to succeed in life?” often weigh heavily on their minds.
Children with special needs often have limited opportunities when it comes to schooling. Many schools either refuse to admit them or lack the resources to properly support them. Even schools that accept special needs children may not provide the quality care and attention they truly need. This creates a major challenge for caregivers, as they want the best for their loved ones.
THE PAIN OF ISOLATION
Caregivers of disabled children often face social isolation, as not everyone provides the support they need. Both parents of disabled children and the caregivers themselves can feel disconnected, lacking the understanding or assistance from others. One of the biggest challenges they face is the lack of support from their partners or extended families. The partner may deny the situation or refuse to contribute financially, and extended family members may also offer little to no help.
There are also instances where parents feel the need to hide their child’s disability from relatives, fearing judgement or negative reactions. This secrecy often leads parents to face the challenges alone, further deepening their sense of isolation.
FINANCIAL CONCERNS
Another significant challenge caregivers face is the lack of resources. This can be financial like struggling to afford treatments or it can stem from a lack of knowledge about where to find support. Caregivers often don’t know which doctors to consult, which therapy centers are best suited for their loved ones, or even where to begin when it comes to accessing services.
WHAT TO DO?
The key to managing the challenges of caregiving is prioritizing self-care. Caregivers must find time to rest, relax, and focus on their own happiness. It’s important to seek family support and connect with support groups, especially those for parents of children with disabilities, where you can relate and share experiences.
Incorporating practices like yoga and meditation can help caregivers manage stress and improve their well-being. Taking breaks from work and ensuring you bounce back from exhaustion is essential
Social support is crucial, whether through charitable organizations, agencies, or therapy centers. These resources can provide valuable guidance and assistance. Effective time management is another key factor in reducing stress. Try to stay as stress-free as possible, and focus on building your self-confidence by reminding yourself, “I can do this.”