Caring for a child with a disability or special health care need can be challenging. Caregivers may often neglect their own needs, leading to fatigue or burnout. Prioritizing self-care and building resilience can help promote better mental and physical well-being for caregivers.
The Maternal & Child Health Program is here to help.
We strive to support the health and well-being of caregivers in our community by helping families navigate the many resources available to them.
More information about resources for children with special health care needs and their caregivers can be found under “Resource Navigation.”
Burnout and fatigue are common issues faced by caregivers and can show up in many different ways.
- Body: Exhaustion, getting sick more often, frequent headaches or pains
- Brain: Trouble concentrating, feeling worried, frustrated, overwhelmed, or angry
- Behavior: Changes in eating or sleeping habits, social isolation
- Belief: Low self-esteem, denial of loved one’s condition, feeling hopeless
Self-care can look different for everyone, especially when caring for a child with a disability or special health care need. It can be hard to find the time or energy to focus on nurturing your own needs. Remember to be gentle with yourself and take small steps toward self-care in ways that work for you. Here are some ideas for where to start:
- Prioritize healthy nutrition, hydration, and a good night’s sleep.
- Add movement into your day, even if it is only for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Engage in hobbies that fulfill you creatively or spiritually.
- Take a break for 5 minutes to go outside and get some sunshine.
- Talk with a therapist or someone you trust.
- Ask for help and accept help from others.
- Look into local respite care options and take some time for yourself.
- Build a supportive community through caregiver support groups, faith-based organizations, or other online resources.
Mental health is an important part of a caregiver’s wellbeing. Everyone may experience struggles with mental health from time to time and deserves to have access to helpful information and resources.
- El Paso County Behavioral Health
- Find local behavioral and mental health resources, programs, and services.
- Colorado Crisis Services Hotline:
- Call: 1-844-493-TALK (8255)
- Text: “TALK” to 38255
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
- Call/Text: 988
The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Program is doing important work to raise awareness of the mental and physical health of caregivers of children with special health care needs.
To support these efforts, MCH is offering free screenings of the documentary Unseen: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters.
If you are interested in partnering with EPCPH to host a screening, please reach out to Rain Gray at raingray3@elpasoco.com.
- EPCPH will provide access to screening, facilitation and discussion/training.
- English and Spanish language supported. Subtitles are also available.
- Agencies will be responsible for sharing screening details with partners and participants.
- View the trailer for “Unseen” at: caregiverdoc.com