In this episode of The Survivors Podcast, Lisa and Gretchen get candid about caregiver burnout—the exhaustion, guilt, and compassion fatigue that often accompany supporting others. Together, they explore personal stories, lessons learned, and practical ways to take care of yourself while caring for someone else.
🎥 Watch the Video Podcast on YouTube: A video version of this episode is available here: YouTube: @TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel
🌟 Episode Summary
Being a caregiver is one of the greatest acts of love—but it can also take a massive toll on your body, mind, and heart. In this conversation, Lisa and Gretchen talk openly about the reality of burnout: the warning signs, the weight of empathy, and the guilt that often keeps caregivers from putting themselves first. They share deeply personal experiences of caring for loved ones, navigating grief, and rediscovering boundaries. The episode closes with practical steps you can take to protect your energy, prioritize self-care, and remind yourself that you are not alone on this journey.
💡 Lessons Learned
- Burnout is more than just being tired—it can show up as irritability, withdrawal, compassion fatigue, or even physical illness.
- Self-care is not indulgent; it’s survival. Whether it’s a nap, a boundary, or asking for help, it matters.
- Breaking big challenges into smaller, manageable parts can ease overwhelm and help you move forward.
- Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re an act of love for yourself and for those you support.
- No one is meant to caregive alone—support systems, therapy, and community are essential.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Trigger Warning & Introduction 01:20 – Caregiving as an Act of Love (and Exhaustion) 04:00 – Lisa’s Story: Growing Up as a Caregiver 06:20 – Gretchen’s Story: Empathy, Anxiety, and Caregiving Burnout 08:00 – Signs of Burnout Beyond “Tired” 10:30 – Overwhelm and the Power of Focusing on One Thing 13:40 – The Weight of Guilt and Self-Care Myths 17:00 – Defining Self-Care and Boundaries 20:00 – The Importance of Asking for Help 21:30 – Supporting Others Through Grief and Loss 24:00 – Boundaries as the Key to Healing 26:00 – Final Takeaways: Warning Signs, Self-Love, and Support Systems 28:30 – Closing Reflections & Season Finale Tease
📚 Resources for Mental Health & Support
🔹 The Survivors Podcast Website – https://thesurvivors.net/ 🔹 The HelpHUB™ – Mental health resources, tools, and support networks – https://www.thehelphub.co/ 🔹 Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions – Mental wellness coaching & support – https://schosersolutions.com/ 🔹 Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads – A raw, award-winning mental health podcast – https://goesoninourheads.net/
📲 Follow & Connect With Us
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_survivors_podcast 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-survivors-podcast 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSurvivorsPodcastChannel
🎙️ See You Next Week! Stay strong, keep going, and remember: You are enough. 💜
#TheSurvivorsPodcast #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #GriefSupport #988Lifeline #SurvivorStories #HealingTogether #PodMatch #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Podcast #Community #Hope #Grief #Stigma #MentalIllness #Support #LisaSugarman #GretchenSchoser #SchoserTalentandWellnessSolutions #TheHelpHUB
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