Caregiver Stress

If someone close to you, be it your spouse, child, friend, or a loved one, has recently been diagnosed with a serious or chronic medical illness such as cancer, you may find yourself grappling with a multitude of emotions and uncertainties. The process of supporting a loved one through diagnosis and treatment can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling lost and stressed about how to best navigate this new chapter in both of your lives.

Common Challenges Faced by Caregivers

  • Supporting Your Loved One: uncertainty about how to best support your loved one and the impact their illness will have on your relationship can be emotionally taxing

  • Treatment Decision Overwhelm: navigating through the treatment options available and making decisions for your loved one’s care can feel confusing and daunting

  • Feeling Out of Step: wondering how life can carry on while facing a serious illness can create a sense of disconnection from your peers

  • Emotional Coping: losing sleep, using food as a coping mechanism, or engaging in other negative habits to manage heightened stress, emotions or uncertainty

  • Information Overload: feeling overwhelmed and confused by the vast amount of information about the illness, unsure about whom to trust or where to find reliable information

Care for the Caregiver

It’s common for caregivers to overlook their own well-being during this challenging time. The stress and emotions experienced may lead to negative coping habits and a sense of guilt when expressing personal feelings about their loved one’s situation. The clinicians at Houston Health Psychology understand the complexity of caregiving and offer a supportive environment where you can navigate those challenges without judgment. 

Mindfulness-Based and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies

The clinicians at Houston Health Psychology utilize mindfulness-based and cognitive-behavioral therapies to empower caregivers. These therapeutic approaches can help you regain control over your life, manage stress, and rediscover your best self while providing essential support to your loved one through diagnosis and treatment. 

Your Path to Thriving

Adjusting to a serious diagnosis involves rewriting the narrative of what you envisioned for yours and your loved one’s life. The clinicians at Houston Health Psychology are here to guide you through this process, whether it’s finding acceptance for this new reality or discovering new ways to thrive amidst the challenges. Your well-being matters, and with the right support, you can navigate this process with resilience and strength. Contact us to schedule a consultation and begin the process toward balance and well-being as you support your loved one through their diagnosis and treatment.

Want to learn more?

Schedule an Initial Consultation