MOTHERING, CAREGIVING.

Caregiving and Burnout. 

Unique to the emotional aspect of caregiving is the phenomenon of burnout. Encompassing more than fatigue and exhaustion, burnout is accompanied by feelings of persistent overwhelm, helplessness and a desire to withdraw.

There is an innate connection between emotions and stress- the body and minds physiological response to challenges within our environments- the former, having the capacity to give rise to the later.

Within the listlessness of burnout lies nuance. The need to recieve care so one can metabolise the experience, juxtaposed against the the delicate art of yielding. The symptoms of burnout, never to be dismissed but to be recognised- may also reflect the larger cycles of life, of growth and of renewal- burnout being the autumn.

Teaching us at the time what feels like harsh lessons, yet ultimately leads to us learning to respect deeply- the rich reservoirs of our body, and of how to replenish them. As with any human experience that is particularly painful for one to encounter, it represents often, our greatest opportunity.

Resources and Care.

Acknowledging our own lived experience is important in the care of burnout, it is unique to each individual.

Alongside a whole body/ whole mind approach that intends not to cure but to support.

Read: The Postnatal Depletion Cure. Oscar Serrallach.

Seek: Professional care where needed. Womens health naturopath/ nutritionist, reproductive psychologists, body work therapists- osteopaths, massage therapists.

Act: A breathing practice- elongate the outbreath.

Practice. Noticing your emotions and where you feel them.

Reflect. Spend time where possible reflecting on your caregiving experience and recent life events. Placing your experience in context allows for compassion.

H. Coutts

29 Sept. 2025.

Image Kim Verdebo.