Chapter 6: Support for Caregivers

How do we support each other through this?

Mental health recovery doesn’t only affect the person diagnosed—it touches families, partners, and friends who care deeply.

If you are a caregiver—a parent, sibling, spouse, child, friend, or relative—you may feel a mix of emotions: worry, love, frustration, exhaustion, helplessness, hope.

These feelings are human. Supporting someone in recovery is meaningful—but it can also be hard.

Understanding What Your Loved One May Be Going Through

When someone is living with a mental health condition, they may:

• Feel lost or confused about what’s happening

• Struggle to express what they need

• Find daily life exhausting

• Push people away, even when they crave connection

• Worry about being a burden

They may be trying their best—even if it doesn’t always look like it.

Learning about their condition, and what recovery really involves, can help you meet them with more compassion. Recovery isn’t about “going back” to who they were before—it’s about growing forward, with support.

Taking Care of Yourself While Caring for Others

You cannot pour from an empty cup. Caregiving is a long journey, and your wellbeing matters too.

Caring for yourself might look like:

• Taking regular breaks and giving yourself permission to rest

• Talking to someone about your feelings (a friend, counselor, or support group)

• Setting healthy boundaries where you can help without losing yourself

• Doing things that recharge you

• Remembering that your loved one’s recovery is their journey—not something you can control

You can care deeply and still protect your own mental health.

What Does It Mean to Support Recovery?

Supporting recovery doesn’t mean trying to “fix” someone.

It means:

• Walking alongside them, at their pace

• Holding hope when they can’t

• Noticing and affirming their strengths

• Giving space when needed, and connection when welcomed

• Believing change is possible—even when it’s slow

You don’t have to carry the whole journey. Being a steady, caring presence is already powerful.

Common Caregiver Struggles—and How to Cope

Many caregivers experience:

• Burnout from ongoing worry

• Guilt about doing too much—or not enough

• Frustration when their loved one resists help

• Fear of relapse or crisis

• Loneliness when others don’t understand

These experiences are common. And support is available.

Finding Support for Caregivers

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Consider:

• Local caregiver support groups (e.g., Caregivers Alliance Limited in Singapore)

• Online forums or peer-led communities

• Counseling or caregiver education workshops

• Books and guides on supporting recovery

Seeking support isn’t selfish—it helps you stay grounded and connected, so you can show up with care.

Walking This Journey Together

Recovery is not just an individual path. It’s something we walk together—with respect for each person’s pace, needs, and boundaries.

There will be hard days. There will be slow progress. But there can also be growth, connection, and moments of deep care.

Take care of yourself, as you care for others. You matter too.