Traditional support groups have been a mainstay for caregivers, offering a space to share experiences and gain information. However, these groups may not fully address the emotional complexities and mental health challenges faced by caregivers. Recent research from Harvard highlights a promising alternative: Mentalizing Imagery Therapy (MIT).

In this week’s post, we offer a helpful summary of 7 skills that family caregivers can practice to tolerate the distress that frequently parallels caregiving. The goal is not only to prevent burnout, but to enrich the caregiver’s spirit.

The family caregiver chooses a path of profound commitment. It can be entwined with love, sacrifice, and relentless dedication or shaped by duty and obligation. Whatever the reason, caregiving often brings an abundance of emotional turbulence, where heartwarming moments alternate with exhaustion, worry, and constant care demands.

I remember the first time someone mentioned the term “Caregiving Fatigue” to me. It was after a social media post I made where I was sharing a vulnerable moment…