LISTEN – In Sickness and in Health

In Sickness and in Health: Marriage and Caregiving

About the Episode:

Liz Earnshaw, an experienced marriage and family therapist, helps bring to light the complex world of caregiving and its impact on relationships and communication.

When one partner becomes the caregiver, it often leads to emotional withdrawal – a natural response we might not even realize. This emotional distance isn’t just a choice; it’s how our brains react.

There are often unmet expectations in caregiving. Many of us start with the idea of perfect teamwork, but real life can be very different. For example, a couple looking after aging parents while also working and raising kids can quickly find their teamwork falling apart, causing misunderstandings.

Resentment, is another sneaky feeling that can grow in caregiving. One partner might feel they’re doing more of the caregiving work, creating bitterness over time, so it’s crucial to deal with this resentment before it gets worse. Couples can have regular talks, open up about their feelings, and make sure they’re sharing responsibilities fairly.

As always, taking care of yourself during caregiving is key as well. Caregivers often forget their own needs while looking after others, which can lead to burnout. The key is to build self-care into your caregiving routine. If you’re taking care of a loved one, try to spend time with friends or do things you love regularly to avoid getting too tired and overwhelmed.

Caregiving is tough, but it won’t last forever. With understanding and constant communication, couples can get through these challenges and come out even stronger.

Listen to this episode on the new Empowered Us website or wherever you get your podcasts. Please remember to Subscribe and share The Caregiving Soul with your friends!