Family caregiving can often be hard. And too often, family caregivers like you carry that weight alone. That’s why we created something to help: a 30-day YouTube Shorts video series filled with daily encouragement.
Over the past month, we’ve shared a short video with a kind word, a calming tip, or a gentle reminder that you matter too. And the feedback has been heartwarming.
Short videos may seem like little things, but when you’re caring for others and running on empty, a little support goes a long way.
We know time is tight. That’s why these daily videos are about 60 seconds long. They’re easy to watch while you’re making coffee or folding laundry. Just one minute can lift your spirits.
Here’s how short videos can make a big difference for you:
They remind you that you’re not alone. Seeing a friendly face and hearing kind words daily can ease isolation.
They encourage quick self-care. We share simple tips like: “Take a deep breath,” or “Step outside for a quick break” to help you build tiny moments of rest.
They help reframe your day. Sometimes, one positive word can shift your mindset from “I can’t do this” to “I can keep going.”
And you can rewatch them anytime. Save your favorites. Play them on the hardest days. This is your support, on your timetable.
Just be sure to watch each video to the end for the most benefit.
Don’t Miss This Heartwarming Series
Our 30-day caregiver encouragement series wraps up soon. If you haven’t tuned in yet, there’s still time to catch these videos on our Caregiver Burden Spot YouTube Channel.
Here are some of the most popular shorts in the series:
You don’t have to do everything alone. Support doesn’t have to take hours. Even one minute of care for yourself counts.
Let us know in the comments how you manage caregiver stress.
Short Videos That Are Long on Support
We created this series for caregivers like you who give so much and ask for so little. Watching one short video a day may not change your circumstances, but it can change how you feel about them.
It can also remind you that your well-being matters. As a family caregiver, you’re doing sacred work and you deserve support every day.
Caregiver Support YouTube Shorts FAQ
What is the 30 Days of Family Caregiver Support series?
It’s our YouTube Shorts video series that shares daily encouragement for family caregivers. Each video is about 60 seconds long.
How can short videos really help with caregiver stress?
They provide quick emotional support, help with your mindset and remind you to care for yourself, even if just for a few minutes.
In your caregiving journey, you might spend most of your day focused on someone else’s needs. You may have less time to see friends, attend your place of worship or even just talk on the phone. Over time, the quiet moments can start to feel heavy.
If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone. It’s good to know that you don’t have to stay stuck in that loneliness.
In this post, I’ll share five ways to ease caregiver loneliness and help you feel more connected, supported and hopeful. And heads-up: I’ve also included references to a few related Biblical verses I’ve found especially helpful in easing loneliness.
1. Acknowledge your feelings without judgment.
The first step in healing from loneliness is to name it.
Many caregivers feel isolated but don’t talk about it. Some feel guilty for feeling sad or lonely because they believe they should be stronger.
Other people may think that asking for help is a sign of weakness. I’m reminded of a thoughtless comment someone made to me after my wife of 26 years died suddenly. He said I should “suck it up and keep on going.”
Asking for help is a sign of courage, modesty and honesty. — Micah 6:8
Take a moment and ask yourself:
Do I feel emotionally alone, even when I’m physically with someone?
Have I stopped reaching out to others because I feel too drained?
Do I miss having regular conversations with adults?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, you’re likely dealing with caregiver loneliness.
Try writing about your feelings in a journal, praying about them, or talking with a trusted friend or counselor. Just naming the feeling is a powerful step toward healing.
It’s important to avoid self-isolation too. An ancient proverb says, “Whoever isolates himself pursues his own selfish desires; He rejects all practical wisdom.” — Proverbs 18:1
Faith Connection: God never meant for us to carry burdens alone. Even Jesus had help carrying His torture stake.
2. Join a caregiver support group.
One of the most helpful ways to combat caregiver loneliness is by connecting with others who understand what you’re going through. You can do this online or in-person.
Support groups can give you:
A safe space to vent without judgment
Practical advice from people who can relate to you
New friendships that lift your spirits — Proverbs 17:17
There are many types of groups available:
Local support groups at places of worship, community centers or hospitals
Online forums like Reddit’s r/CaregiverSupport
Video meetings through platforms like Zoom or Facebook Groups
Even if you only attend once a month, just knowing there are others who “get it” can bring you some comfort.
Pro Tip: Try searching for “caregiver support group near me” or visit sites like Caregiver.org and With Grayce.
3. Stay connected to friends and family.
When life gets overwhelming, it’s easy to pull away from others. But small, consistent connections can ease loneliness.
Schedule a 10-minute check-in call with a friend each week.
Text a photo or message to someone once a day.
Invite a neighbor over for a short visit and coffee.
You don’t need big social events to feel less alone. You just need regular, real connection. Of course, when using social media, it’s smart to be careful about sharing personal info with online “friends” you don’t actually know.
And if you don’t like to “burden” others, remember this: people who care about you want to know how you’re doing. Let them in.
Be yourself: You don’t have to put on a brave face. You’re worthy of love and care just as you are.
4. Make time for restorative activities.
Loneliness can grow when all your energy goes out, and nothing comes back in. That’s why it’s important to do things that can help restore your spirit.
Caregiver loneliness doesn’t have to define your story.
Each small step you take toward connection and care for yourself can make a difference. Whether you join a group, call a friend, or just take a five-minute break, you’re investing in your own well-being.
Even the strongest hearts need rest and relationships. Even if you feel alone right now, you are never truly alone. There’s a whole community here cheering you on.
Managing Caregiver Loneliness FAQ
Is it normal to feel lonely as a caregiver?
Yes. Many caregivers feel isolated due to the demands of caregiving and the loss of personal time or social activities.
What can I do if I feel like I don’t have time for friends or social groups?
Start small. Even sending a message or making one phone call a week can help you feel more connected to others. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
How do I find a good caregiver support group?
Check with local hospitals, places of worship, senior centers, or search online for virtual options. Websites like Caregiver.org and With Grayce offer directories.
What if I don’t like talking about my feelings with strangers?
That’s okay. Listening to others in a support group can still help. And you can always start with private journaling or talking to a trusted friend.
When should I see a therapist for caregiver loneliness?
If you feel overwhelmed, hopeless or notice changes in sleep, mood, or energy, it’s a good idea to talk to a mental health professional. Don’t wait for a crisis.
June is Men’s Health Month, a time to spotlight men’s unique health challenges. From June 9–15, we also observe Men’s Health Week, encouraging early detection and treatment of diseases affecting men and boys.
But there’s one group often left out of this conversation: male family caregivers.
When we think of caregiving, we often picture a woman. But more men are stepping into family caregiving roles than ever before. And while their numbers are growing, their stories are still too quiet.
Men face the same stress, burnout and emotional exhaustion as their female counterparts, yet they’re less likely to seek support.
Let’s take a closer look at the physical, mental and emotional impact of caregiving on men and how we can help them care for themselves too.
The Quiet Rise of Male Caregivers
Today, nearly 1 in 3 family caregivers is a man. That’s about 16 million men across the U.S. Many of them are caring for a spouse, aging parent or disabled child. Some work full-time while caregiving and others have left jobs to offer care full-time.
But because our culture has long seen caregiving as “women’s work,” male caregivers often feel isolated. They might not talk about their struggles or even know where to turn for help. That silence can be costly.
Today, millions of men are caring for spouses, partners, aging parents, other relatives and friends. The numbers will just keep growing as the population ages and gender roles shift.
Caregiving is hard, no matter your gender. Male caregivers seem to work more covertly than female caregivers. They may hide their stress or feel like they have to “tough it out.” That kind of societal and self-induced pressure can lead male caregivers to some serious health risks.
Male caregivers are often more likely to skip doctor visits, ignore signs of burnout and avoid those dreaded emotional conversations. That can lead to:
Increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Weight gain or poor diet.
Anxiety, depression and loneliness.
Fatigue, sleep problems and substance use.
Many male caregivers say they feel overwhelmed, angry or helpless, but don’t have a safe space to talk about it. They may also feel uncertain about how to handle tasks like helping someone with bathing or managing medications.
Over time, the stress adds up. Without relief or support, caregiving can take a serious toll on a man’s mind and body.
If you’re a male caregiver, or love someone who is, here are six simple ways to reduce stress and protect your health:
1. Don’t go it alone. Join a caregiver support group. Sharing your experience with others who get it can bring welcome relief. Don’t forget that online groups count too.
2. Create a daily routine. Structure can help ease anxiety. Set simple goals for each day and build in short breaks.
3. Accept help. It’s wise to ask for help. Let family or friends take over errands, appointments or meals when they offer.
4. Talk to your doctor. Let your health care provider know you’re a caregiver. That way, they can help you watch for signs of stress or burnout and point you toward helpful resources.
5. Make time for yourself. Even 10 minutes of alone time can help. That solitude gives you time to listen to music, pray, take a short walk — whatever helps you feel more grounded.
6. Learn the skills you need. Don’t be afraid to ask for training on medical tasks or personal care. Lifting someone safely or bathing them is a skill. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
We all benefit when we make space for men to be caregivers. That means breaking down stigmas, offering practical tools and acknowledging the work they do with love and strength.
Places of worship, workplaces and healthcare providers can play a significant role. Some create caregiver ministries, flexible work schedules and outreach that includes men. And friends and family can check in with the men in their lives who are quietly carrying this burden.
By lifting up male caregivers during Men’s Health Month, we shine a light on their quiet courage and remind them they’re not alone.
At 22, Jacey was thrust into caregiving when her 43-year-old father suffered a massive stroke. As his only child, she had no experience and little support.
She found herself in a hospital room, trying to make sense of medical jargon and life-changing decisions. For days on end, she sat by her dad’s bedside, hoping for signs of improvement and trying to stay strong. Finally, she felt like she’d reached a mental breaking point.
“I don’t know what to do,” she said. “I’m scared and feel completely alone.”
Maybe you can relate Jacey’s situation. What can she do?
Family Caregiving and Your Mental Health
In case you haven’t heard, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s a good time to shine a light on the quiet struggles so many family caregivers face. If you’ve ever felt anxious, tired, or alone in your caregiving role, you’re not the only one.
Whether you’re helping an aging parent, a spouse with dementia, or a child with special needs, the emotional weight of caregiving can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. But the good news is this: There are simple, life-affirming ways to care for your mental health.
In this post, we’ll walk through how caregiving can affect your mental health and five supportive things you can do to protect your peace of mind.
Caring for someone you love often brings both joy and heartache. Here’s how caregiving can affect your mental health over time:
1. Increased Stress and Anxiety
Caregivers often juggle medications, appointments, financial concerns, and more on top of their own family and work responsibilities. This constant pressure can lead to high levels of stress and caregiver anxiety.
2. Sleep Problems
You might be up in the night helping your loved one, or lying awake with worry. Little sleep or poor sleep quality can weaken your immune system and make mental health symptoms worse.
3. Depression and Isolation
Many caregivers report feeling lonely or cut off from friends. If you’re always putting others first, you can lose touch with the things and people that once brought you joy.
4. Guilt and Shame
You may feel guilty for feeling tired, resentful or ashamed for needing a break. But these emotions are normal and human.
5. Burnout
When mental and physical exhaustion reach a peak, it’s called caregiver burnout. You might feel numb, angry, or like you’re running on empty.
5 Ways to Care for Your Mental Health as a Family Caregiver
Here are five simple, effective ways to care for your mental and emotional well-being—even if you only have 10 minutes a day.
1. Talk to someone you trust.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do is say it out loud. Whether it’s a close friend, a minister, or support group, sharing your feelings helps you feel seen and heard.
Interestingly, a growing body of research suggests many people in mental crisis turn to spirituality and talk to their God.
Let us know in the comments how you manage caregiver stress. Your story might help someone else feel less alone.
2. Give yourself permission to rest.
You deserve rest, not only when everything is done, but because you’re worth it. Try setting a daily “pause point” where you breathe deeply, stretch, or sip a little tea in steeped in silence. These small moments of stillness help reset your nervous system.
Short on time? Even five minutes counts.
3. Spend some time outside every day.
Nature helps soothe stress and lift low moods. Step outside for a walk, sit on the porch, or just feel the sun on your face. If going outside isn’t possible, open a window and look at the sky.
A breath of fresh air can also bring a breath of hope.
4. Use a caregiving planner.
When life feels overwhelming, writing things down can give your mind a break. A caregiver planner helps organize appointments, track meds, and schedule small self-care habits. It brings order to the chaos.
5. Say “Yes” to help and “No” to guilt.
You don’t have to do it all. Accepting help or hiring support doesn’t make you weak. It’s actually a wise reaction to caregiver stress. Let go of the guilt and say yes. Say yes to those angels who show up and offer to provide meals, run errands, or to donate a few hours of respite care to give you a much-needed break.
If you’ve been feeling sad, hopeless, or anxious for weeks, it may be time to talk to a mental health professional. Therapists and counselors can help you process complex emotions and offer real tools for relief.
You might not always feel like it, but pat yourself on the back today. You’re doing an amazing job as a caregiver.
It’s true: You will struggle mentally and emotionally sometimes, but help is out there. Your mental health matters just as much as your loved one’s physical health.
Start by taking just one small step today.
Breathe. Rest. Reach out to someone. You’ve got this.
Connie had been caring for her mother, who had early-stage dementia, for over a year. She cooked, cleaned and managed doctor appointments, all while working full-time and raising two pre-teen kids.
Her older siblings lived nearby, but Connie never asked them for help. “They have their own lives,” she told herself. But deep down, she felt exhausted, overwhelmed and alone. Still, the guilt held her back. She believed that asking for help meant she was failing as a daughter.
One evening while folding laundry, Connie reached a breaking point and came to tears. Her husband gently asked, “Why don’t you let someone else help, even just a little?”
That moment made her pause. Maybe it wasn’t weakness. Maybe it was time.
If you’ve ever felt like Connie, you’re not alone. This post will show you how to ask for help without guilt and why doing so is one of the bravest things you can do.
Understanding the Roots of Caregiver Guilt
Whether you’re caring for an aging parent, a spouse with an illness, or a child with special needs, the responsibilities can pile up quickly. You may feel like asking for help is a sign of failure. Guilt often creeps in, making it even harder to reach out.
Why Guilt Is Common Among Caregivers
Guilt is a normal feeling for caregivers. You care deeply about the person you’re helping, and you want to do everything right. But the pressure to be perfect can be overwhelming.
You might think, “I should be able to handle this,” or, “If I ask for help, I’m letting them down.” These thoughts are common, but they’re also harmful. Recognizing this is the first step in letting go of guilt.
Types of Guilt Experienced by Caregivers
There are different kinds of caregiver guilt. Neurotic guilt comes from feeling like you’re not doing enough. Existential guilt happens when you feel like you’re losing your own life in the process.
Some caregivers feel guilty for being impatient or for not spending enough quality time with their loved ones. Others feel judged by family or even by the person they care for. Knowing these types can help you understand what you’re feeling — and why.
The Emotional and Physical Toll of Unresolved Guilt
If guilt is left unchecked, it can lead to serious problems. It may cause stress, anxiety or depression. You might find it hard to sleep, feel constantly tired or even get sick more often.
Over time, this can lead to caregiver burnout. That’s when you feel mentally, emotionally and physically drained.
Many caregivers see asking for help as a weakness. But it’s a sign of strength. Getting help doesn’t mean you’re giving up. It means you’re making a smart choice to ensure that both you and your loved one get the best care possible.
Think of help as a tool. It’s a tool that makes your job easier and makes you a more effective caregiver.
Acknowledge unmet needs without shame.
Sometimes, guilt is a signal that your own needs are being ignored. Maybe you’re skipping meals, losing sleep or missing your own doctor’s appointments. It’s okay to admit that you need care too.
Here’s where the practice of journaling may help. Try writing down how you’re feeling each day. Look for signs of stress or exhaustion. Once you know what’s missing, you can take steps to fix it without feeling ashamed.
Let go of perfectionism and control.
You don’t have to do everything perfectly. Trying to control every detail just wears you out. It’s okay if things aren’t done exactly the way you would do them.
Learning to give up control and accept help from others — whether it’s a family member, friend or professional — can be freeing. The goal is not perfection, it’s sustainability.
Practical Strategies to Ask for Help Without Feeling Guilty
Start with small requests and clear communication.
Begin by asking for small things, like picking up groceries or sitting with your loved one while you take a break. Use clear and simple language. You can say something like, “I need help for an hour this weekend so I can run errands. Could you help with that?”
Be honest and direct. People often want to help but don’t know what you need.
Take advantage of respite care and community resources.
Look into respite care services, which provide short-term breaks for caregivers. Many organizations like local nonprofits and senior centers offer support. You can also explore options like adult day care programs, home health aides and meal delivery services.
These services allow you to recharge while ensuring your loved one is well cared for.
Create a caregiving support team.
Don’t do this alone. Build a team of support. This can include family, friends, neighbors and professionals. Use group chats or shared calendars to coordinate tasks and share updates.
Online caregiver forums and social media groups can also be great places to connect and get advice. A strong support system makes a big difference.
Building Emotional Resilience and Sustaining Well-Being
Develop a sustainable self-care routine.
Make time for yourself each day. It could be for as little as 10 minutes. Do something that refreshes you. Walk, read, journal or listen to music. Eat well, get enough sleep and try to move your body. You deserve to feel good too. A small self-care habit can have a big impact over time.
Reframe negative self-talk and celebrate your wins.
Catch yourself when negative thoughts pop up. Instead of saying, “I’m failing,” try, “I’m doing my best with what I have.” Celebrate small victories: a calm conversation, a clean room, a shared smile. These moments matter. Positive thinking helps you feel more confident and less guilty.
Seek professional guidance when you need to.
If guilt feels overwhelming, talking to a therapist can help. Many counselors specialize in caregiver stress and emotional burnout. Therapy offers a safe space to talk, process feelings and learn about tools for managing guilt.
You don’t have to reach rock bottom to ask for professional help. Think of it as another form of self-care.
Stick to your assisted caregiving plan.
Journal it out: Write down what makes you feel guilty. Recognizing the source can help reduce the power it has over you.
Say “yes” to help: The next time someone offers to help, accept it — no matter how small the offer may seem.
Talk it out: Join a caregiver support group online or in your community. Sharing your experience can help lighten the load.
Focus on progress: Instead of what you haven’t done, celebrate what you’ve managed to do today.
Caregiver Guilt: The Bottom Line
Guilt doesn’t have to be part of your caregiving journey. By understanding why you feel guilty, learning to ask for help and taking care of yourself, you can reduce stress and improve the quality of care you give.
Remember that you’re not alone and asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. You deserve support just as much as the person you care for. Start small, be kind to yourself and know that help is out there.
Caregiver Guilt FAQ
Is it normal to feel guilty as a caregiver?
Yes, caregiver guilt is very common. It often comes from trying to meet high expectations while ignoring your own needs.
How can I ask for help without feeling like a burden?
Start small and be specific. Most people want to help but don’t know how. Clear communication makes it easier for both of you.
What are some free resources for caregivers?
Local nonprofits, government programs and community centers often provide respite care, support groups and educational resources at little or no cost.
How can I take care of myself while caregiving full time?
Build small habits like 10-minute breaks, healthy meals or short walks. Even tiny steps can help you feel more in control.
When should I consider talking to a therapist?
If guilt, stress, or sadness become overwhelming or start to affect your health, it’s a good time to talk to a mental health professional.