Caregiving Challenges and Mental Health

From Survivor to Thriver

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Have you ever been a caregiver for a loved one?

When someone we love is sick and in need of care, it can be easy to forget our own needs and step into the role of caregiving. This, however, can lead to depression, PTSD, or other serious mental health issues for the caregiver.

In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with Erin Copelan who was a caregiver to her husband while he battled cancer and to her grandmother. Erin experienced the trauma of both of these experiences and had to learn how to care for herself too while managing this great responsibility.

Join us as Erin discusses perceived grief, the symptoms of PTSD and depression, the transition from spouse to caregiver then back to spouse, guilt, and so much more.

Erin Copelan is a speaker, best-selling author, licensed massage therapist, and real estate investor. In 2009, she was appointed sole Caregiver to her husband as he was diagnosed with cancer, underwent multiple surgeries, and a successful liver transplant.

In her book Welcome to Caregiving: The Things Caregivers Never Talk About, she writes a LOT about her mental health and the effects caregiving had on her, including believing she could outsmart depression and episodes of PTSD.

With caregiving experience that spans over a decade in multiple states with multiple medical centers, Erin was called to share her stories with the underserved caregiving community. She was called to share hope, community, and love. She loves writing, the ocean, snuggling her kitties, and learning pottery.

In today’s episode, we cover:

• The mental health continuum
• The challenges that come with being a caregiver
• How PTSD can manifest after being a caregiver
• The transition from spouse to caregiver back to spouse
• Signs and symptoms of PTSD and depression while caregiving
• What caregiver burnout is and how it manifests
• The power of perceived grief
• How to practice self-care while caregiving

We hope you enjoyed this conversation with Erin! If you would like to learn more from her, make sure to visit her website and follow her on Instagram.

Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Links:

Visit Erin’s website: https://erincopelan.com

Follow Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin_copelan/

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Quotes:

“Once they're better, you don't always just get better. You don't get better in parallel with the people you are caring for.” -Erin

“You can’t avoid the trauma as a caregiver, but you can try to help