iOS app Android app More  Kristin Neff   Why Caregivers Need
Self-Compassion  Posted: 05/23/2012 2:58 pm  Many of us are
caregivers, whether we have a special-needs child, a parent with
Alzheimer's, an ill partner, or are in a caregiving profession
such as being a nurse, therapist, or teacher. When the stress of
continually being there for others is high, we can become
overwhelmed by our caregiving responsibilities and run the risk
of burning out. The recommendation typically given for
caregivers is to engage in self-care strategies such as drawing
emotional boundaries between ourselves and those who rely on us
(okay for professionals but not so easy with loved ones). Self-
care can also take the form of meeting our own needs for
relaxation, social support, and healthy living (wonderful
advice, but only possible in our downtime and not when we're in
the actual presence of the person we're caring for). What is
discussed less often is how to remain in the presence of
suffering without being overwhelmed. This is