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8686 139 139
8686 139 139
8686 139 139
Caregiving is a multi-faceted role that goes beyond basic assistance and encompasses a range of activities aimed at supporting the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of the care-recipient.
Set out below are areas where caregivers are often actively involved, while engaging with and supporting their care-recipients:
Taking on the role of a caregiver is not just about helping loved ones with daily tasks; it’s an emotional journey you share together. As you navigate this role, you will likely experience changes in your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being at various stages of caregiving.
The stages of caregiving can be divided keeping in mind the experiences and journey of a caregiver. Recognising where you are in your caregiving journey is essential to understanding your feelings. Rather than resisting the highs and lows, it is beneficial to expect and prepare for them. This approach can help you manage your emotions with greater awareness.
The following section outlines the stages in caregiver's journey. There might be a stage that resonates more with your current experiences. We encourage you to reflect on your caregiving journey, identify which stage you are in, and explore the relevant interventions and resources that can support you. Understanding your current stage may further help you process your feelings more effectively.
Feel free to contact a counsellor via our Helpline if at any stage, you feel like you need extra support to manage your thoughts or emotions. Our Helpline number is 8686 139139. It is open all days of the week from 9am to 8pm. You can also email us at counselling@manntalks.org
You may find yourself at a stage in life that necessitates caring for a loved one. This stage could occur naturally like in the case of an ageing family member or suddenly, like when you receive information about a serious diagnosis or health crisis of a loved one. This could be a sudden event, like an accident or stroke, or a gradual diagnosis, such as a chronic illness. Life may change significantly and rapidly in such circumstances, and caregivers might find themselves making many decisions.
Take a moment: People react differently when faced with a challenging situation. Remember, there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to feel, so don’t be harsh on yourself. Find some space to breathe and gather your thoughts.
Seek assistance: Talk about the situation with someone you trust - your family members, friends, neighbours, or anyone who can support you. This will help you figure out what is needed to take care of your loved one.
Gain clarity: Consult a healthcare professional to gain a better understanding of your care recipient’s condition. It would be desirable to prepare a list of questions focusing on how the conditions affect the care-recipient, the type of care they need, its impact on them, you, the family, and potential financial implications. Take the needed notes during the conversation.
Focus on the immediate next step: Identify what needs to be done immediately, such as organising help, addressing urgent medical needs, and reviewing your loved one’s insurance plan.
Remember to take a step back and reflect on the questions below, as and when you find some mental bandwidth. These are some useful questions that can help you pause and think, process your journey, find your strengths, new meaning, identify patterns and develop insights; to then also take some steps to plan actionable changes wherever needed or reach out for support to others, including professionals. What’s important to keep in mind also is - you are not alone.
Once the journey of caregiving begins or the initial shock of a diagnosis or crisis has worn off, you may begin to adapt to your new role, whether chosen or having to take on. This stage involves coming to terms with the realities and responsibilities of caregiving.
Research: Look for services in your locality that can best meet your care recipient’s needs. In addition, research other therapies or treatment options available, connect with other caregivers to explore how they have supported their care recipients, and explore online forums for additional information.
Build your care team: It is crucial to have a “care team” - a group of people, including medical professionals, specialists, therapists, and family/friends-who will support you during your caregiving journey. Asking for support is crucial for keeping the caregiving journey sustainable for you.
Create smaller systems: Develop processes to make day-to-day life easier, such as using pill boxes, meal plans, coordinated schedules, and alarms to track appointments.
Have a buddy: Find a peer who can check in on you to ensure you are taking care of yourself while managing caregiving duties.
Remember to take a step back and reflect on the questions below, as and when you find some mental bandwidth. These are some useful questions that can help you pause and think, process your journey, find your strengths, new meaning, identify patterns and develop insights; to then also take some steps to plan actionable changes wherever needed or reach out for support to others, including professionals. What’s important to keep in mind also is - you are not alone.
At this stage, a routine may have been set, and you may be adapting to your role as a caregiver. That said, continuous activity may begin to take a toll on your physical and emotional health. It becomes challenging to balance the multiple roles you are playing.
Check-ins with yourself: Pay attention to how caregiving is affecting your physical and emotional health. Don’t miss your regular medical checkups, and reach out to a counsellor to take care of your emotional health.
Ask for help: Balancing multiple roles and responsibilities can be overwhelming. So, ask for help whenever needed. This is a crucial step for caregivers. Understand that you do not have to do everything by yourself; you need support too.
Practice kindness: Be gentle toward yourself and recognise your efforts and challenges without harsh self-judgments. For example, remind yourself, “I am doing my best right now, and it’s okay if I cannot accomplish everything today. I am still worthy and provide valuable support to my care-recipient.”
Self-care: Intentionally incorporate activities that promote your well-being in your daily routine. This could involve scheduling breaks during the day to engage in activities that refresh you, such as reading, listening to music, solving puzzles, practising mindfulness, or exercising. Remember, you can only pour into someone else’s cup when yours isn’t empty. Caring for yourself is equally important.
Remember to take a step back and reflect on the questions below, as and when you find some mental bandwidth. These are some useful questions that can help you pause and think, process your journey, find your strengths, new meaning, identify patterns and develop insights; to then also take some steps to plan actionable changes wherever needed or reach out for support to others, including professionals. What’s important to keep in mind also is - you are not alone.
This stage involves acknowledging that the changes may be permanent and that going back to the “old life” may not be possible. Here, you begin to understand that caregiving demands may require long-term adjustment and gradually accept the permanence of these changes.
Grieve the loss of your old life: It is essential to take the time to acknowledge what has changed in your life—whether it's your sense of independence, your available time, your social connections, or your old routine. Feeling sadness, frustration, or even anger about these losses is absolutely normal. Journaling or talking to someone about the life you miss can help you express these emotions instead of suppressing them. Speaking to a counsellor can also aid your emotional journey at this stage.
Accept the present: Acceptance is a gradual process; it does not come all at once. Change is difficult, and it’s okay to feel conflicted. Recognise that it’s normal to fluctuate between moments of acceptance and longing for the past. Shift your focus from what you’ve lost to what you can still influence. It will give you a sense of empowerment. This could be small daily choices, such as structuring your day or setting boundaries.
Look for personal growth: Life changes often lead to unexpected growth. Try to notice how your experiences are shaping you in positive ways, and which skills or strengths you’re developing-whether it’s resilience, empathy, patience, or a deeper connection with your loved ones.
Reflect on what matters most: Life changes often prompt us to reconsider our values. What brings meaning now? Perhaps caregiving has become a journey of love, or maybe it has simply taught you the importance of being present. Reflecting on these deeper values can provide purpose in this new phase of your life.
Remember to take a step back and reflect on the questions below, as and when you find some mental bandwidth. These are some useful questions that can help you pause and think, process your journey, find your strengths, new meaning, identify patterns and develop insights; to then also take some steps to plan actionable changes wherever needed or reach out for support to others, including professionals. What’s important to keep in mind also is - you are not alone.
In this stage, you start to recognise the deeper value of the care provided, not only for your loved ones but also for yourself. This stage is marked by a balance between caregiving responsibilities and the crucial need for self-care.
Gratitude journaling: Maintaining a journal to document moments of gratitude related to caregiving, your personal life, or self-care can enhance feelings of satisfaction and purpose. This practice can reinforce the positive emotions experienced during this stage.
Map your milestones: This is a creative and reflective way to celebrate your caregiving journey. Here's how you can do it:
Continue learning: Stay open to new caregiving techniques, therapies, and methods of self-care. Ongoing learning ensures that you’re constantly improving your ability to provide care and enhancing your own quality of life.
Join support groups: Engage with caregiver support groups to share experiences and gain insights from others in similar situations. The collective wisdom and camaraderie in these groups can help you sustain positive emotional health and prevent isolation.
Remember to take a step back and reflect on the questions below, as and when you find some mental bandwidth. These are some useful questions that can help you pause and think, process your journey, find your strengths, new meaning, identify patterns and develop insights; to then also take some steps to plan actionable changes wherever needed or reach out for support to others, including professionals. What’s important to keep in mind also is - you are not alone.
This stage occurs after the care-recipient passes away or no longer requires care. For many caregivers, this marks the end of a chapter that has long defined their daily lives and sense of purpose.
Process your emotions: Allow yourself to feel various emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, relief, and even joy. Acknowledge this complexity without judgement. Consider writing about your feelings, memories of your loved one, and your caregiving experiences. Be patient with yourself as you navigate this transition.
Maintain social connections: Spend time with loved ones who support you. Building or maintaining these connections can help alleviate feelings of isolation.
Honour the caregiving experience: Consider creating a memory book or project that honours your time as a caregiver and the relationship you had with the care recipient. Find ways to remember your loved one if they have passed. This could include lighting a candle, visiting a favourite place, sharing stories with friends or family, or celebrating their birthdays and anniversaries. Reflect on what you have learned and the strengths you have developed as a caregiver. Acknowledging this growth can provide closure.
Let go of or re-utilise the care recipient’s belongings: Often, giving away or selling these objects, can be the first step in accepting and adapting to your new life.
Build a new routine: A routine can provide a sense of normalcy during this turbulent time. Incorporate activities that bring you comfort or joy, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with friends. Explore interests that you may have set aside during caregiving. This can provide fulfilment and help reconnect with your identity.
Envision your next chapter: Spend time contemplating what you want your life to look like moving forward. Think about who you are beyond your role as a caregiver. Setting new goals or dreams can provide direction and hope. Consider what interests, passions, or goals you want to pursue.
Volunteer or give back: Look for ways to support others through volunteer work or community involvement. This can provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Remember to take a step back and reflect on the questions below, as and when you find some mental bandwidth. These are some useful questions that can help you pause and think, process your journey, find your strengths, new meaning, identify patterns and develop insights; to then also take some steps to plan actionable changes wherever needed or reach out for support to others, including professionals. What’s important to keep in mind also is - you are not alone.
The Mann Talks Helpline employs trained mental health professionals who offer an empathetic and non-judgemental environment where you can share your thoughts, emotions and experiences freely. The conversation will be confidential, and your privacy will be respected at all times.
Calling the Mann Talks helpline offers:
We are an inclusive platform and encourage individuals from across experiences, backgrounds and abilities to use the services available. We do not discriminate on any grounds, whatsoever.
A common misconception is that a helpline should only be used in moments of crisis. You can reach out to Mann Talks any time you are feeling emotionally distressed.
We often feel guilty about reaching out to friends and family constantly. We fear their judgement, or we may not want to share sensitive information with those close to us. At Mann Talks, you will get to speak to a trained mental health professional who will provide you with an unbiased, safe and confidential space where you can comfortably share your thoughts, emotions and experiences.
Sometimes, a loved one may be going through a tough time and you may not know how to help them. You can reach out to Mann Talks on behalf of your loved one to find out how to support them and minimize the emotional distress they are going through.
When you call the helpline, the mental health professional that you speak to will be respectful, emotionally supportive, non-judgmental and listen to you patiently.
At Mann Talks, we consider privacy and confidentiality to be of utmost importance. We prioritize our callers' privacy so that their identity, respect and dignity are uncompromised.
All conversations between the caller and our mental health professionals will remain confidential unless there is danger to the callers or others.
All conversations between the caller and our mental health professionals will remain confidential unless there is danger to the caller or others.The trained mental health professionals speak in Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi, Bengali and English. The Helpline is active from Mon-Sun, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
While talking to a friend or family member may be comforting, there is a risk that they might bring their own biases and judgements to the conversation. There may also be things that we don’t want our loved ones to know—thoughts and emotions that cause us anxiety, guilt or shame; or painful emotions that they might not be able to handle.
The mental health professionals at Mann Talks are trained in the art of listening and offer a safe space without any bias or judgement. This will allow you to speak more freely than you would with someone you know. They are also trained to be able to understand your pain and situation, and help you resolve your issues.
At Mann Talks, we prioritize confidentiality, dignity and respect of the caller. Our mental health professionals will not share anything you discuss with anyone else. The only time confidentiality may be broken is if the mental health professional feels you might harm yourself, or those around you.
In any other circumstance, what you share remains confidential.
It is important to feel comfortable with the mental health professional you’re accessing treatment from. If you feel like the professional you’ve been assigned/are speaking to isn’t a good fit for you, it’s okay to request a different one.
Don’t feel pressured to continue to talk to a professional you don’t like—after all, Mann Talks is for your wellbeing, and your comfort comes first.
