Thank you, Carergivers


To the generous souls who are taking care of their loved ones,

Regardless of whether you are taking care of a child with ADHD, a friend with depression, or a family member with dementia, and whatever your role is in the trenches on the caregiving frontline, we just wish to take the time to say, thank you. 

Thank you for your love and care, the time you've devoted, the effort in trying your best to be patient, supportive and understanding during the challenging times. All that you've done, truly deserve appreciations that are beyond words. 

Thank you for your kind and comforting words, by simply saying "I'm gonna be here"; thank you for all the little things you've done to lighten up our sky. Though sometimes the impacts aren't as instant, I assure you, what you're doing is totally making a difference.

Thanks for not giving up and continue to walk with us. Thank you for being there no matter how hopeless and challenging the situation seems. Thank you for not letting us face all the difficulties alone, and for giving us the strength and hope to overcome it. It genuinely means a lot to us. 

So, shout out to the life-saving carers! All of you deserve our most sincere appreciation and our utmost respect. Looking back at the intense journeys you have been walking others through, and looking ahead at the challenges await, surely it must be rewarding and relieved to see our loved ones getting better and healthier; still, it can be frustrated, stressful and lost at times. Being a carer can be a demanding role, and this is exactly why you, the big-hearted caregiver, need to be mindful about keeping on top of your mental health, too. In other words, please always remember that your mental health matters as well.

"Our capacity to show love to others is directly proportional to the amount of self-love we are feeling at the time."   Michele Ableson

I remember one time at uni, I walked up to my counselling tutor after class, as I wanted practical suggestions on how to help my friend with depression. After I let my tutor know my friend's situation, her first response was, "how are you doing?", and it honestly startled me. 

Apparently, when we are so desperate to help our loved ones, taking care of our mental well-being might fall off the priorities. However, this should not be the case. If you have ever flown on a commercial airplane, you're probably not new to seeing flight attendants demonstrating the safety procedures. At some point, they inform you that when it comes to an emergency, an oxygen mask may drop down from overhead, and

"Place the oxygen mask on yourself first before helping small children or others who may need your assistance." 

The underlying logic is simple: only when your life is secured you have the opportunity and time to save someone else's life.  

The "Oxygen Mask Logic" is applicable to our daily life on the ground, too. Without a doubt, it is very kind of you to take up the responsibility to be a carer, but please never forget that a healthy mind enables you to effectively support the ones you care. 

All in all, I wanted the kind-hearted caregivers to know that your effort does not go unnoticed, your contribution does not go unsung, even when the one you care for may not be the person to express gratitude and appreciation. You are doing a spectacular job, you are doing something extraordinarily meaningful and significant. Your support is changing the world. Yet, I wanted to emphasise that your state of mind is as equally important. Don't hesitate to seek help and share the responsibility, take some time off to re-energise yourself if you ever feel like you need it: don't feel guilty to take a break as it's going to be beneficial to both of you. Once again, for we cannot thank you enough, dear caregivers.


Wholeheartedly,

The Lights Within



Finding help for yourself:

Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 (24 hrs)

Mind: Mental Health Carer Helpline - Call 1300 554 660

Carers Australia: Call 1800 242 636

Online Mental Health Carer Forum - run by Mental Health Carers Australia and Sane Australia 

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