"I’ve been caring for my mother for over two years, and I’m starting to feel like I’ve lost myself in the process. Mom was diagnosed with dementia, and while I love her deeply, the constant care is draining me. I work full-time, come home to help with her needs, and there’s no space for anything else. I used to enjoy painting, going out with friends, and even having time for myself, but that feels like a lifetime ago. I’m tired, overwhelmed, and honestly, I’m not sure how much longer I can do this, but the guilt of thinking about stepping back is unbearable. She’s my mom; I feel like I owe it to her to keep going, even if it’s costing me everything."

"After five years of caring for my wife at home, I made the hardest decision of my life: placing her in a care facility. She has Parkinson’s, and I tried for as long as I could to manage on my own, but it got to a point where I couldn’t keep her safe anymore. The day I left her at the facility, I cried all the way home. There’s guilt that eats at me, wondering if I could have done more, but also a sense of relief because I know she’s in a place where she can get the 24/7 care she needs. Not everyone understands—some family members think I gave up too soon—but this was the best decision for her health and my sanity."

"I’ve been caring for my dad since his Alzheimer’s diagnosis five years ago. It’s been a long road, but I’ve finally found a system that works. We have routines, schedules, and I’ve learned how to manage his needs, but what no one tells you is how lonely it feels, even when everything seems ‘under control.’ I’ve lost touch with most of my friends, and my relationship ended because caregiving took over every part of my life. I love my dad, but I miss the person he used to be. I’m surviving, but I’m not thriving—and sometimes, I wonder if this is just how life is going to be from now on."

"I’m the one who’s been taking care of Mom since her stroke, and it’s been tough, but what’s been even harder is the constant fighting with my siblings. They live out of state and aren’t here for the day-to-day, yet they always have something to say about how I’m handling her care. From finances to medical decisions, we disagree on everything, and it’s gotten to the point where I feel like I’m not just losing Mom, but my family, too. I’m exhausted, and I feel like no matter what I do, it’s never enough for them. I don’t know if we’ll ever be on the same page again."