How to Talk About Caregiver Burnout

Our Conversation Coach Can Help

There are times when caring for a loved one with cancer can feel overwhelming. The stress you experience can leave you physically and emotionally drained, and that kind of exhaustion takes a toll. Roughly a quarter of primary caregivers say their health has gotten worse since starting to care for a loved one. And that makes sense. As you struggle to hold it together, it gets harder and harder to take care of yourself—let alone anyone else—which is why it’s so important to ask for support when you need it.

For many caregivers, however, that’s a tough conversation to navigate. You might worry admitting you need help will make your loved one with cancer feel guilty or that you’re burdening another friend or relative with what you see as your responsibility. In those instances, it can be helpful to run through a few key talking points so you feel comfortable when it’s time to reach out for support. Our Conversation Coach will simulate a real chat—either with a loved one with cancer or a different friend or relative—to give you tips for asking for help and avoiding caregiver burnout.