This week, we're not bringing you stats or data or research... we're just bringing ourselves and our friend Karley. Because the truth is, data can only tell you so much, but for the three of us, some of the most impactful information we've ever received about navigating this caregiving life is through other's individual experiences.
So today, we're getting a little vulnerable in sharing the moments that convinced each of us that we needed mental health support, the fear and shame that kept us from accessing support earlier, and why we ALL deserve mental health support at any point on this journey, not just when we can't function anymore.
Let's get into it.

In this episode:
[00:00:00] Intro
[00:00:35] Erica, Alyssa, and Karley discuss what's fueling them, both existentially and caffeinated
[00:06:54] Why caregiver mental health affects entire communities and why caregivers often put off addressing their mental health for so long
[00:13:35] Our current mental health state, as of the time of this recording
[00:20:32] The physical symptoms that spurred Karley into getting support for her mental health
[00:21:55] Erica's mental health turning point
[00:26:03] The dark side of dissociating and delayed processing that exacerbated Alyssa's mental health symptoms
[00:30:38] The life and death ramifications of untreated mental health struggles (and it's not just about ideation around unaliving yourself)
[00:33:06] How to overcome the fear many caregivers have around getting mental health support
[00:41:18] Why you don't have to be completely "nonfunctional" before getting mental health support (don't let it get that bad, friends!!)
[00:45:03] The type of therapy that helped Karley (it's not EMDR) and other solutions that Erica and Alyssa have found to be helpful
[00:56:20] Why asking for mental health support is a sign of strength, not weakness

For the transcript, our blog, links, and more, visit our website: https://www.caffeinatedcaregivers.com/podcast/ep10
Follow us on Instagram for research, validation, and a lot of memes @caffeinated_caregivers.

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Thanks friends! Talk soon!