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A carer's stress is a bit like a rubber band. Let me explain: At first, things seem simple. You do a grocery shop for your parents because they can't go out like they used to. You go out, tick off everything on your list and you're done. But then you get back. They're rifling through the bags. Mum sighs. You got the brand of toilet paper they don't like. You didn't even know they cared about the brand of toilet paper? Why would they care? They get frustrated with you. You get frustrated with them. The rubber band stretches. This is fine. Now, onto the next. The kids need to get picked up from school. No problem. But Mum's just called and needs someone to take her to the doctor. Great. You make a call to take Mum to the doctor. The kids end up taking the bus. Now they're annoyed at you. They grumble at the dinner table. They don't even finish their dinner. That band stretches a little more. 6 months go by. Day after day of this. More wrong groceries. More improptu trips. More complaining. Mum's eating less. Dad's forgetting more. Frustration. Miscommunication. Anger. Resentement. You're stressed. The house is a mess. Your diet feels out of control. Noone's winning. The rubber band is stretched thin. Then without any warning, Dad has a fall. You're in the hospital. The kids have to go to school. You're left stuck planning your parent's future. It feels like you're getting help from absolutely noone. The rubber band is screaming now. It's pulled to its limit. And then... *snap* 😶 The vast majority of carers get there eventually. It's because they put all of that responsbility on themselves. But the truth is, they really don't have to. Because the reality is, they're not alone. Because there's more people to help than they might think. Identify the signs of burnout and get the help. It'll do more for your family than you realise.