With a Support Network, You’re Never Alone
As we turn the calendar to November, we begin National Family Caregivers Month, a month that celebrates YOU – the unpaid family caregiver. At Courage to Caregivers, you are our “WHY” – why we do what we do – providing hope, support, and courage to caregivers of those living with mental illness. And that leads right into our topic for this week – support network – as part of this month’s theme of collaboration.
Asking for help can be hard, but we’re used to doing hard things, right? Sure, we all like to feel strong, independent, and capable, but sometimes life puts us in a situation that we just can’t manage on our own. In such a case, asking for help doesn’t show weakness. It takes strength to recognize that we need assistance, and even more strength to ask for it.
As we discussed here two weeks ago, the pursuit of perfection can hold us back. When we recognize that we are imperfect and need help from others, we often grow in the process. We can learn from others as they help us achieve our goals. We can build stronger connections and greater resilience through our support network. And we can provide better care to our loved ones when we can turn to a broader range of people and resources for help.
You can look to people from all aspects of your life to be part of your personal support network, including:
Your spouse, partner, family members, and close friends who are willing to help simply because they love you and your loved one
Medical professionals who provide care for you and your loved one
Religious organizations that support their members in a wide variety of ways
Social media and internet chat groups that can connect you remotely to people with similar experiences or helpful knowledge
Specialized support groups (like Courage to Caregivers)
We do hope Courage to Caregivers can be part of your support network. Our support groups offer a judgment-free, shame-free zone and an invaluable space for social support. Our unique Peer Support program matches each caregiver with a trained volunteer as a peer mentor. And our Breathing Meditation classes focus on breathing techniques, light yogic movement, guided meditation, and deep rest.
Our groups are facilitated by credentialed counselors and social workers as well as volunteer peer leaders – someone who has been a caregiver just like you. We believe that by spending time with others who share your challenges, you will begin to feel the benefits of unconditional acceptance and support, maybe for the first time.
In other words, you’re not alone … we’re all in this with YOU.