Welcome to episode 9 of Caregiver Diaries! 

Having to step in to the roles of his parents at the supple age of 12, Sachin recounts the agony he and his younger brother went through as their once-dynamic mother struggled with the demon that is schizophrenia. He recounts how social stigma and the reluctance to accept the possibility of an illness this severe, led the family to take a long time before a medical diagnosis was made. Insensitivity from friends and relatives made matters worse. 

His journey taught the importance of self care and the need for psychological health of a caregiver. He further discusses how the second hit that the family took when his father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s was dealt with in a much better way and instilled the family’s belief in the healing powers of counselling and me-time, for both the wellness of the caregiver as well as the care-receiver.

"We realized that asking for help is an act of survival and one may not feel guilty about it... with time we effectively cope with the challenges of caregiving "

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If you can identify with this story, please share it with others who care for someone and help them share too. The feeling of being understood, not being alone and access to support is what keeps caregivers going. 

Sharing your story helps understand yourself — feelings, passions, hopes. It lightens the load and offers relief from loneliness, anxiety, anger or guilt. Our experiences and hopes can benefit others - to know that the challenges are the same, learn new ways to cope and care… they aren’t alone but part of a team. 

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