The Power of Resilience
Dear Caregivers,
One of my daughters is currently living in Paraguay, and during a recent visit to her home I learned something new: Although Paraguay is the landlocked center of the South American continent, it is home to part of the so-called “Atlantic” Rainforest—a lush jungle filled with a huge variety of plants and animals, including palm trees that felt oddly familiar to this Floridian.
One of the many species of animals in this forest, and a favorite of my daughters, is the carpenter ant. My daughter spoke with admiration about the ant’s ability to carry many times its own weight, day after day—a quiet but remarkable example of physical resilience.
I am struck by how the ants’ daily efforts mirror those of family caregivers: Just as carpenter ants quietly carry burdens far heavier than themselves, you shoulder responsibilities each day that would overwhelm most people—often without recognition, and without rest. Though it isn’t flashy or celebrated in the media, this quiet resilience is steady, cumulative, and deeply human.
As strong as you caregivers are, however, it is still essential to pause now and then, to check in with yourself and make sure your mind, body, and spirit are getting what you need to continue. That’s why we here at NAN share tools, guidance, and support to help you pause, take stock, and strengthen yourself for the road ahead. Resilience is a skill that is best learned and sustained with others, and it’s important to remember that we are part of your team.
Here are some resources to help support your journey as a caregiver:
Building your Caregiving Mental Health Toolkit:
As a caregiver, you need a host of tools to help you cope and maintain your mental health. Here’s your toolkit.
Some Self-Care Actions YOU CAN DO Right Now!:
An essential part of being a caregiver is caring for yourself. You have to make time to tend to yourself, no matter how much or little time you may have. Here are some ideas.
Caregiver Burnout: How to Cope:
Caregiving for someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most challenging jobs in the world, and it comes with a risk of what is known as “Caregiver Burnout.” With caregiver burnout, you are in a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that may also be coupled with a change in your attitude towards your caregiving role, from one of positive, caring, and rewarding to one of feeling negative, unconcerned, and resentful. Here's how to cope.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have."
— Bob Marley
