The Survivors Podcast

Caregiver Burnout: How To Support Others Without Losing Ourselves

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In this episode of The Survivors Podcast, Lisa and Gretchen get candid about caregiver burnout—the exhaustion, guilt, and compassion fatigue that often accompany supporting others. Together, they explore personal stories, lessons learned, and practical ways to take care of yourself while caring for someone else.

 

🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube:

A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: @TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel

 

 
🌟 Episode Summary

Being a caregiver is one of the greatest acts of love—but it can also take a massive toll on your body, mind, and heart. In this conversation, Lisa and Gretchen talk openly about the reality of burnout: the warning signs, the weight of empathy, and the guilt that often keeps caregivers from putting themselves first. They share deeply personal experiences of caring for loved ones, navigating grief, and rediscovering boundaries. The episode closes with practical steps you can take to protect your energy, prioritize self-care, and remind yourself that you are not alone on this journey.

 

 
💡 Lessons Learned
  • Burnout is more than just being tired—it can show up as irritability, withdrawal, compassion fatigue, or even physical illness.
  • Self-care is not indulgent; it’s survival. Whether it’s a nap, a boundary, or asking for help, it matters.
  • Breaking big challenges into smaller, manageable parts can ease overwhelm and help you move forward.
  • Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re an act of love for yourself and for those you support.
  • No one is meant to caregive alone—support systems, therapy, and community are essential.

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    ⏱️ Chapters

    00:00 – Trigger Warning & Introduction

    01:20 – Caregiving as an Act of Love (and Exhaustion)
    04:00 – Lisa’s Story: Growing Up as a Caregiver
    06:20 – Gretchen’s Story: Empathy, Anxiety, and Caregiving Burnout
    08:00 – Signs of Burnout Beyond “Tired”
    10:30 – Overwhelm and the Power of Focusing on One Thing
    13:40 – The Weight of Guilt and Self-Care Myths
    17:00 – Defining Self-Care and Boundaries
    20:00 – The Importance of Asking for Help
    21:30 – Supporting Others Through Grief and Loss
    24:00 – Boundaries as the Key to Healing
    26:00 – Final Takeaways: Warning Signs, Self-Love, and Support Systems
    28:30 – Closing Reflections & Season Finale Tease

     

     
    📚 Resources for Mental Health & Support

    🔹 The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/

    🔹 The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/
    🔹 Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions – Mental wellness coaching & support – https://schosersolutions.com/
    🔹 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads – A raw, award-winning mental health podcast – https://goesoninourheads.net/

     

     
    📲 Follow & Connect With Us

    📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast

    🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast
    🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel

     

    🎙️ See You Next Week! Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜

     

    #TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodMatch #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser #SchoserTalentandWellnessSolutions #TheHelpHUB

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    The Survivors PodcastBy Lisa Sugarman & Natasha J. Layton
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