Episode 44 | Behind Closed Doors: What It's Really Like To Be A Caregiver | Aisha Adkins, Caregiver, Speaker & Advocate

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If you're a caregiver, know a caregiver, or simply want to understand the caregiving experience better, this episode is for you.

When we talk about illness, we often focus on the patient, their journey, and their recovery. But behind every patient is a caregiver, whose story is seldom told, whose struggles are often unseen, and whose courage is rarely acknowledged. In this week's episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the life of a caregiver with an extraordinary guest, Aisha Adkins.

Aisha's story is not just about caregiving; it's a tale of resilience, sacrifice, and profound love. Her mother's diagnosis with frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) – the same condition affecting Bruce Willis – thrust her into a decade-long journey that would shape her life in ways she never imagined.

In our emotional conversation, Aisha and I share the raw and real aspects of caregiving. We talks about the anticipatory grief that haunts us every day, the emotional trauma that lingers, and the PTSD that caregivers endure. We also discuss the importance of caregiver support, the overlooked aspects of mental wellness, and the journey towards finding a new normal after loss.

But it's not just about the hardships. Aisha's story is also about the unexpected lessons, the joys found in simple moments, and the personal growth that emerges from the toughest of times. 

Visit christiebishop.com for more episodes and information on Christie's caregiving resources, workshops, and customized coaching programs. Let's start the conversation and bring the stories of caregivers into the light.

Resources: 

Learn more about Aisha Adkins

Looking for a personal rebrand? Overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities? Looking to "re-enter" life after caregiving? Check out Christie Bishop's coaching services.