Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Before we begin today's episode.
(00:02):
Please be advised that we willbe discussing topics related to
intense caregiver, stress,mental health issues, and there
are serious impacts.
This content may be difficultand triggering for some
listeners.
If you or someone, you know, isstruggling, we encourage you to
seek help from professionalresources.
(00:22):
Listener discretion is advisedas this episode, aims to foster
understanding and advocacy.
But it does not replaceprofessional advice.
Or intervention.
Our discussion is intended toraise awareness and promote
discussion around the supportneeds of caregivers.
It's important to report thesestories with empathy and a
(00:43):
commitment to positive change.
Um, Uh, Transcript.
(01:15):
Welcome back to the shadowseries, where we delve into the
hidden struggles and quietvictories of caregivers.
Today, we continue with Mia'sstory.
Focusing on her return homeafter her transformative night
and the steps she takes toimprove and manage the stress of
raising a child with autism.
(01:35):
After a night of soul searchingand writing heartfelt letters to
God.
Where Mia returns home with anew found resolve.
The experience.
Has not only reaffirmed hercommitment to her family, but
has also iluminated the urgentneed.
For change in how she managesher life.
Mia turns a key to the lock.
(01:57):
Taking a deep breath and shefeels the familiar click of the
door unlocking.
A sound that today seems tosymbolize the unlocking of a new
chapter of her life.
She pushes the door open andsteps inside.
The familiar scents and sightsof her home, wrapping around her
like a comforting embrace.
(02:17):
As she closes the door behindher.
Ken looks up from where he isseated at the kitchen table.
Paperwork spread out in front ofhim.
His face etched with concern,softens into belief.
As he sees mia he stands andcrosses the room quickly.
Meeting her in a tight.
Wordless hug that conveys allthe things that they don't yet
(02:39):
know how to say I loud.
Mia pool's back slightly.
Searching Ken's eyes.
I'm okay.
She reassures him.
Her voice steadier than itfeels.
Actually I'm more than okay.
I We need to talk.
There are some things I need tochange.
(03:00):
For me.
For us for Jamie.
Ken nods understanding.
Flashing in his eyes, hegestures to the table.
Let's sit down and talk abouteverything.
They sit across from each other,the previous tension easing into
a tentative hope.
Mia begins to share her thoughtsfrom the night, her plans and
(03:22):
her new found resolutions.
She talks about the letter shewrote.
And her decision to leave thevials behind at the hotel.
Choosing a path of recovery andstrength instead of temporary
escape.
It's time for us to find bettersupport to make our family's
wellbeing a priority.
She says earnestly.
Ken listens, intently his hand,reaching across the table to
(03:45):
squeeze hers.
I'm here, Mia, whatever youneed, whatever changes we need
to make.
I'm here.
Together, they start to sketchout a plan.
They discuss contacting a familytherapist.
Scheduling regular times for meto have breaks and even
involving their extended family.
In Jamie's care or hiringsomeone to give me, uh, the
respite she needs.
(04:06):
As they talk Jamie's laughterechoes from the living room
where he is watching hisfavorite show.
The sound once a source ofstress.
On her difficult days.
Now feels her with renewed.
Sense of purpose.
They're not just planning forthe sake of planning.
They're building a scaffoldaround their family.
One that will support all ofthem through the challenging
(04:27):
times ahead.
As Mia expresses her desire fora more stable life for both of
them.
Ken listens attentively.
Nodding in agreement, heunderstands the depth of Mia's
exhaustion and the toll it hastaken on their family.
It's a moment of shared clarityand resolve to actually shape a
better future.
(04:50):
Let's make that our priorityMia.
Stability for us means we'rejust providing the best for
Jamie.
What do you think we need tochange first?
Mia takes a moment together.
Her thoughts.
Her fingers intertwined withKen's drawing strength from
connection.
I think we need to start withour schedules.
She suggest.
(05:10):
We need to balance better.
So neither of us is stretchedtoo thin.
Maybe it's time to look intomore dedicated help for Jamie,
someone who can assist on aregular basis.
Ken agrees.
I think that's a smart move.
And maybe I can look atadjusting my hours at work and
finding a way to be moreflexible so I can be home more
often.
(05:32):
Ken reaches over to his laptopand started looking at potential
caregivers with experience inautism care.
Mia pulls out her notebook andbegins to do lists based on
their discussion, organizingtheir action items and
deadlines.
The atmosphere is one ofproactive determination.
They're not just planning, butimmediately acting on those
plans.
(05:53):
As Kenny mia continue theirdiscussion about creating a more
stable and supportiveenvironment.
The topic of seeing a therapistcomes up.
Recognizing the strain thatcaregiving and me as recent
crisis has placed on both theirmental health.
They agree that professionalguidance.
She'd be beneficial.
Not just for me individually,but for them as a couple, and
(06:14):
even as a family.
Maybe we should see someone whocan help us navigate this
together.
I think it might help uscommunicate better and manage
the stress.
We're both feeling.
I agree.
I am feeling overwhelmed.
And though writing those lettershelped a lot.
I know that talking to aprofessional could give us more
tools and strategies.
(06:36):
I want to make sure we're both.
Okay.
Not just for us, but for Jamieto.
They decide to prioritize,finding a therapist with
experiencing, dealing withfamily dynamics.
And the specific challenges ofraising a child with autism.
Mia takes the initiative toresearch therapists who
specialize in this area andfinds a few options.
(06:58):
That could be a good fit.
Ken and Mia are fortunate.
Mia recognized that she was introuble.
And her story could have endedin tragedy.
Raising a child with autism.
Indeed poses unique challenges.
And can significantly impact thestress levels and overall
wellbeing of parents andcaregivers.
(07:20):
Here's some relevant statisticsand highlight the stress
experienced by caregivers.
High stress levels.
Research indicates that parentsof children with autism
experience significantly higherstress levels compared to
parents neuro-typical childrenstudy suggested up to 85% of
mothers of children with autismreport stress levels that could
(07:41):
be classified as high or veryhigh.
Mental health impact.
Parents of children with autismare more likely to experience
mental health issues, such asanxiety and depression,
approximately 50% of theseparents.
Meet the clinical criteria.
Where depression compare it with15 to 20% of parents with
(08:02):
neuro-typical children.
Chronic stress common amongparents of children with autism
can lead to serious healthconditions.
Including cardiovasculardisease, diabetes, and a
weakened immune system.
Caregivers may also experiencehigher levels of fatigue and
other physical symptoms ofstress.
(08:22):
Caregivers often report feelingsof isolation due to their
intense needs of their child.
Studies show that parents ofchildren with autism are more
likely to feel sociallyisolated, impacting their
ability to relieve stress withsocial support networks.
The financial burden associatedwith raising a child with autism
can be substantial adding to thefamily stress.
(08:44):
The cost of therapies, specialeducation, and sometimes
specialized care.
Can significantly affect familyfinances.
Families with a child withautism can incur an estimated
additional 17 to$21,000 inannual medical expenses compared
to families without.
The stress of raising a childwith autism also affects the
(09:06):
siblings in the family who mayfeel neglected or burdened by
additional responsibilities,further increasing stress within
the family.
The intense demands ofcaregiving.
can strain marriages, divorcerates, while varying can be
higher among families, with achild with autism.
Although recent researchsuggests the rates may be
(09:26):
similar to the generalpopulation, indicating that the
effect can vary widely amongfamilies.
These statistics underscore theprofound impact that raising a
child with autism can have onparents and the entire family
unit.
Highlighting the need forcomprehensive support systems,
including mental healthservices, respite care, and
(09:47):
community support networks tohelp mitigate these stressors.
It's important to underscoremany families caring for a child
with autism.
Or any other special needs?
Often find themselves without.
Sufficient support.
Leading to a critical levels ofstress and potential crises.
While me and Ken were fortunateenough to recognize their need
(10:08):
for support before reaching abreaking point.
Many families aren't as lucky.
The reality is the intensedemands of caregiving compounded
by lack of adequate resourcescan lead to dire consequences.
For numerous families, thecontinuous pressure builds
unnoticed by the outside worlduntil it culminates in a tragic
outcomes.
(10:29):
It's not uncommon for caregiversto experience burnout.
Severe depression.
And other mental health crises.
Unfortunately, in some cases,this can lead to neglect harm,
and even a loss of life.
Both for the caregivers.
And for the ones they care for.
This underscores a critical gapin our healthcare.
(10:49):
And social service systems.
There is an urgent need forbetter support structures that
can help prevent these crises.
By providing timelyinterventions.
Services such as respite care.
Assessable mental healthsupport, financial assistance
and educational resources arenot just beneficial, but
essential.
(11:09):
The support systems play acritical role in not only
maintaining the health andwellbeing of caregivers.
But also ensuring the safety anddevelopment of those they care
for.
Comprehensive support canalleviate the overwhelming
stress and provide families withstrategies and time to manage
caregiving responsibilities moreeffectively.
(11:30):
Awareness, just the first stepto change.
By acknowledging the intensepressures faced by these
families and the often invisiblestruggles they endure.
We can begin to advocate fornecessary changes in policy and
community support.
It's about creating a societythat truly supports its most
vulnerable and those who carefor them.
(11:54):
Let's take inspiration frommeeting Ken story.
To push for changes that ensureno family has to face these
challenges alone.
Let's not leave these familiesin the shadows.
It's our collectiveresponsibility to ensure the
support networks are in placeaccessible and capable of
providing the help needed beforea crisis occurs.
(12:15):
If you know, a family that isstruggling with the challenges
of caregiving, reach out, offersupport.
Or help them connect.
With local resources.
Small actions can make a bigdifference in preventing the
isolation that so manycaregivers feel.
The story of Ken and Mia isparticularly effective in
raising awareness.
(12:36):
About the hidden crisis, manycaregiver, families space.
And the importance of societalsupport to prevent tragic
outcomes.
In the hustle of daily life.
Finding a moment for yourselfcan seem impossible, especially
if you're caring for others.
Introducing Take Care Timerespite box designed
specifically for caregivers whodeserve a break.
Each respite box has thoroughlycurated with items to help you
(12:59):
rewind, rejuvenate and recharge.
With everything from.
Candles to luxurious bath salts.
And inspirational books.
Every item has been chosen tobring you a moment of peace.
Give yourself or a caregiver,you know, the gift of relaxation
visit, take care of time.com tosubscribe.
Order now and receive a special10% discount.
(13:19):
What are your first thoughts?
With the code care 10.
Take care of time, respite boxbecause everyone deserves a
moment to breathe.
Do you have an interestingcaregiver story that you would
like to have told?
Please emailus@podcastattakecareoftime.com.
We would love to hear from you.
Please note that this episodefeatures reenactments and
(13:40):
dramatize details.
While in most cases, the exactverbatim dialogue may not be
known.
All dramatizations are groundedin research to respect the
privacy and confidentiality ofindividuals involved names, and
some identifying details havebeen changed.
Join us next time.
As we continue to explore thetales and Exhales of caregivers,
(14:02):
bringing light to theirdedication and societal changes
needed to support them.
Remember together, we can make adifference.
Till next week.
Take care.
Um, Uh, Transcript.
Before we begin today's episode.
(00:02):
Please be advised that we willbe discussing topics related to
intense caregiver, stress,mental health issues, and there
are serious impacts.
This content may be difficultand triggering for some
listeners.
If you or someone, you know, isstruggling, we encourage you to
seek help from professionalresources.
(00:22):
Listener discretion is advisedas this episode, aims to foster
understanding and advocacy.
But it does not replaceprofessional advice.
Or intervention.
Our discussion is intended toraise awareness and promote
discussion around the supportneeds of caregivers.
It's important to report thesestories with empathy and a
(00:43):
commitment to positive change.
Um, Uh, Transcript.
(01:15):
Welcome back to the shadowseries, where we delve into the
hidden struggles and quietvictories of caregivers.
Today, we continue with Mia'sstory.
Focusing on her return homeafter her transformative night
and the steps she takes toimprove and manage the stress of
raising a child with autism.
(01:35):
After a night of soul searchingand writing heartfelt letters to
God.
Where Mia returns home with anew found resolve.
The experience.
Has not only reaffirmed hercommitment to her family, but
has also iluminated the urgentneed.
For change in how she managesher life.
Mia turns a key to the lock.
(01:57):
Taking a deep breath and shefeels the familiar click of the
door unlocking.
A sound that today seems tosymbolize the unlocking of a new
chapter of her life.
She pushes the door open andsteps inside.
The familiar scents and sightsof her home, wrapping around her
like a comforting embrace.
(02:17):
As she closes the door behindher.
Ken looks up from where he isseated at the kitchen table.
Paperwork spread out in front ofhim.
His face etched with concern,softens into belief.
As he sees mia he stands andcrosses the room quickly.
Meeting her in a tight.
Wordless hug that conveys allthe things that they don't yet
(02:39):
know how to say I loud.
Mia pool's back slightly.
Searching Ken's eyes.
I'm okay.
She reassures him.
Her voice steadier than itfeels.
Actually I'm more than okay.
I We need to talk.
There are some things I need tochange.
(03:00):
For me.
For us for Jamie.
Ken nods understanding.
Flashing in his eyes, hegestures to the table.
Let's sit down and talk abouteverything.
They sit across from each other,the previous tension easing into
a tentative hope.
Mia begins to share her thoughtsfrom the night, her plans and
(03:22):
her new found resolutions.
She talks about the letter shewrote.
And her decision to leave thevials behind at the hotel.
Choosing a path of recovery andstrength instead of temporary
escape.
It's time for us to find bettersupport to make our family's
wellbeing a priority.
She says earnestly.
Ken listens, intently his hand,reaching across the table to
(03:45):
squeeze hers.
I'm here, Mia, whatever youneed, whatever changes we need
to make.
I'm here.
Together, they start to sketchout a plan.
They discuss contacting a familytherapist.
Scheduling regular times for meto have breaks and even
involving their extended family.
In Jamie's care or hiringsomeone to give me, uh, the
respite she needs.
(04:06):
As they talk Jamie's laughterechoes from the living room
where he is watching hisfavorite show.
The sound once a source ofstress.
On her difficult days.
Now feels her with renewed.
Sense of purpose.
They're not just planning forthe sake of planning.
They're building a scaffoldaround their family.
One that will support all ofthem through the challenging
(04:27):
times ahead.
As Mia expresses her desire fora more stable life for both of
them.
Ken listens attentively.
Nodding in agreement, heunderstands the depth of Mia's
exhaustion and the toll it hastaken on their family.
It's a moment of shared clarityand resolve to actually shape a
better future.
(04:50):
Let's make that our priorityMia.
Stability for us means we'rejust providing the best for
Jamie.
What do you think we need tochange first?
Mia takes a moment together.
Her thoughts.
Her fingers intertwined withKen's drawing strength from
connection.
I think we need to start withour schedules.
She suggest.
(05:10):
We need to balance better.
So neither of us is stretchedtoo thin.
Maybe it's time to look intomore dedicated help for Jamie,
someone who can assist on aregular basis.
Ken agrees.
I think that's a smart move.
And maybe I can look atadjusting my hours at work and
finding a way to be moreflexible so I can be home more
often.
(05:32):
Ken reaches over to his laptopand started looking at potential
caregivers with experience inautism care.
Mia pulls out her notebook andbegins to do lists based on
their discussion, organizingtheir action items and
deadlines.
The atmosphere is one ofproactive determination.
They're not just planning, butimmediately acting on those
plans.
(05:53):
As Kenny mia continue theirdiscussion about creating a more
stable and supportiveenvironment.
The topic of seeing a therapistcomes up.
Recognizing the strain thatcaregiving and me as recent
crisis has placed on both theirmental health.
They agree that professionalguidance.
She'd be beneficial.
Not just for me individually,but for them as a couple, and
(06:14):
even as a family.
Maybe we should see someone whocan help us navigate this
together.
I think it might help uscommunicate better and manage
the stress.
We're both feeling.
I agree.
I am feeling overwhelmed.
And though writing those lettershelped a lot.
I know that talking to aprofessional could give us more
tools and strategies.
(06:36):
I want to make sure we're both.
Okay.
Not just for us, but for Jamieto.
They decide to prioritize,finding a therapist with
experiencing, dealing withfamily dynamics.
And the specific challenges ofraising a child with autism.
Mia takes the initiative toresearch therapists who
specialize in this area andfinds a few options.
(06:58):
That could be a good fit.
Ken and Mia are fortunate.
Mia recognized that she was introuble.
And her story could have endedin tragedy.
Raising a child with autism.
Indeed poses unique challenges.
And can significantly impact thestress levels and overall
wellbeing of parents andcaregivers.
(07:20):
Here's some relevant statisticsand highlight the stress
experienced by caregivers.
High stress levels.
Research indicates that parentsof children with autism
experience significantly higherstress levels compared to
parents neuro-typical childrenstudy suggested up to 85% of
mothers of children with autismreport stress levels that could
(07:41):
be classified as high or veryhigh.
Mental health impact.
Parents of children with autismare more likely to experience
mental health issues, such asanxiety and depression,
approximately 50% of theseparents.
Meet the clinical criteria.
Where depression compare it with15 to 20% of parents with
(08:02):
neuro-typical children.
Chronic stress common amongparents of children with autism
can lead to serious healthconditions.
Including cardiovasculardisease, diabetes, and a
weakened immune system.
Caregivers may also experiencehigher levels of fatigue and
other physical symptoms ofstress.
(08:22):
Caregivers often report feelingsof isolation due to their
intense needs of their child.
Studies show that parents ofchildren with autism are more
likely to feel sociallyisolated, impacting their
ability to relieve stress withsocial support networks.
The financial burden associatedwith raising a child with autism
can be substantial adding to thefamily stress.
(08:44):
The cost of therapies, specialeducation, and sometimes
specialized care.
Can significantly affect familyfinances.
Families with a child withautism can incur an estimated
additional 17 to$21,000 inannual medical expenses compared
to families without.
The stress of raising a childwith autism also affects the
(09:06):
siblings in the family who mayfeel neglected or burdened by
additional responsibilities,further increasing stress within
the family.
The intense demands ofcaregiving.
can strain marriages, divorcerates, while varying can be
higher among families, with achild with autism.
Although recent researchsuggests the rates may be
(09:26):
similar to the generalpopulation, indicating that the
effect can vary widely amongfamilies.
These statistics underscore theprofound impact that raising a
child with autism can have onparents and the entire family
unit.
Highlighting the need forcomprehensive support systems,
including mental healthservices, respite care, and
(09:47):
community support networks tohelp mitigate these stressors.
It's important to underscoremany families caring for a child
with autism.
Or any other special needs?
Often find themselves without.
Sufficient support.
Leading to a critical levels ofstress and potential crises.
While me and Ken were fortunateenough to recognize their need
(10:08):
for support before reaching abreaking point.
Many families aren't as lucky.
The reality is the intensedemands of caregiving compounded
by lack of adequate resourcescan lead to dire consequences.
For numerous families, thecontinuous pressure builds
unnoticed by the outside worlduntil it culminates in a tragic
outcomes.
(10:29):
It's not uncommon for caregiversto experience burnout.
Severe depression.
And other mental health crises.
Unfortunately, in some cases,this can lead to neglect harm,
and even a loss of life.
Both for the caregivers.
And for the ones they care for.
This underscores a critical gapin our healthcare.
(10:49):
And social service systems.
There is an urgent need forbetter support structures that
can help prevent these crises.
By providing timelyinterventions.
Services such as respite care.
Assessable mental healthsupport, financial assistance
and educational resources arenot just beneficial, but
essential.
(11:09):
The support systems play acritical role in not only
maintaining the health andwellbeing of caregivers.
But also ensuring the safety anddevelopment of those they care
for.
Comprehensive support canalleviate the overwhelming
stress and provide families withstrategies and time to manage
caregiving responsibilities moreeffectively.
(11:30):
Awareness, just the first stepto change.
By acknowledging the intensepressures faced by these
families and the often invisiblestruggles they endure.
We can begin to advocate fornecessary changes in policy and
community support.
It's about creating a societythat truly supports its most
vulnerable and those who carefor them.
(11:54):
Let's take inspiration frommeeting Ken story.
To push for changes that ensureno family has to face these
challenges alone.
Let's not leave these familiesin the shadows.
It's our collectiveresponsibility to ensure the
support networks are in placeaccessible and capable of
providing the help needed beforea crisis occurs.
(12:15):
If you know, a family that isstruggling with the challenges
of caregiving, reach out, offersupport.
Or help them connect.
With local resources.
Small actions can make a bigdifference in preventing the
isolation that so manycaregivers feel.
The story of Ken and Mia isparticularly effective in
raising awareness.
(12:36):
About the hidden crisis, manycaregiver, families space.
And the importance of societalsupport to prevent tragic
outcomes.
In the hustle of daily life.
Finding a moment for yourselfcan seem impossible, especially
if you're caring for others.
Introducing Take Care Timerespite box designed
specifically for caregivers whodeserve a break.
Each respite box has thoroughlycurated with items to help you
(12:59):
rewind, rejuvenate and recharge.
With everything from.
Candles to luxurious bath salts.
And inspirational books.
Every item has been chosen tobring you a moment of peace.
Give yourself or a caregiver,you know, the gift of relaxation
visit, take care of time.com tosubscribe.
Order now and receive a special10% discount.
(13:19):
What are your first thoughts?
With the code care 10.
Take care of time, respite boxbecause everyone deserves a
moment to breathe.
Do you have an interestingcaregiver story that you would
like to have told?
Please emailus@podcastattakecareoftime.com.
We would love to hear from you.
Please note that this episodefeatures reenactments and
(13:40):
dramatize details.
While in most cases, the exactverbatim dialogue may not be
known.
All dramatizations are groundedin research to respect the
privacy and confidentiality ofindividuals involved names, and
some identifying details havebeen changed.
Join us next time.
As we continue to explore thetales and Exhales of caregivers,
(14:02):
bringing light to theirdedication and societal changes
needed to support them.
Remember together, we can make adifference.
Till next week.
Take care.
Um, Uh, Transcript.
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