Caregiver Syndrome Is Real—And You’re Not Alone

If you’ve ever felt completely overwhelmed, irritable, anxious, or even resentful while caring for an aging parent or for someone you love… you’re not alone.

And more importantly? You’re not making it up.

I was recently listening to an episode of Mel Robbins’ podcast that focused on caregiving. Something she said made me stop the episode, sit with it, and then come here to write this post.

Why the Podcast Hit Home

In Mel Robbins’ July 14, 2025 episode, “Overloaded, Exhausted, and Ready for a Reset: 3 Doctors Give Their Best Advice,” she spoke candidly about:

• Caregiver Syndrome—a chronic stress response marked by fatigue, irritability, isolation, and resentment

• The importance of self-care, boundary-setting, and realistic expectations in reclaiming sanity.

👉 Listen here: Mel Robbins Podcast – Episode July 14 (link opens in a new tab)There’s now a term being used by researchers and health professionals for what so many of us go through: Caregiver Syndrome.

It’s being recognized as a real cluster of symptoms that includes emotional exhaustion, chronic stress, anxiety, guilt, resentment, and even physical health problems—all related to the intense demands of caregiving.

“Why Can’t I Handle This?”

One of the biggest burdens caregivers carry isn’t just the work of caregiving. It’s the internal pressure—the voice that says:

“I should be able to handle this.”

Exhaustion, brain fog, isolation- all real.

“Other people manage, why can’t I?”

“If I really loved them, I wouldn’t feel so resentful.”

But here’s what I want you to know: Caregiver Syndrome isn’t a sign of weakness.

It’s a sign that you're doing more than one human being is meant to do alone.

Guilt and Resentment: A Painful Pair

On of the common things I hear is that folks feel guilty for not spending more time with their family members or friends- often missing out on precious moments with their grandbabies, siblings—because they are caring for a parent. They are torn between two people they love deeply.

This kind of guilt is so common—and yet we rarely talk about it.

And right behind guilt often comes resentment: that feeling that other people get to live their lives freely while yours revolves around: medications, appointments, and crisis management.

If that sounds familiar, let me say this clearlfy: Your resentment does not mean you are a bad caregiver.

It means you are human—and that your own needs haven’t stopped just because someone else needs more of you.

Being Seen Helps You Regain Control

One of the most painful parts of caregiving is the invisibility.

When no one sees how hard you're working, how much you're giving, and how little you're receiving in return… it can feel like you're disappearing.

That’s why recognition matters.

When we put a name to what you’re experiencing, we start to take back some of that power.

Some of that control. We begin to say, “This is real. I’m not broken. I just need support.”

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

If this resonates with you, I want you to hear me: There is a path forward.

You don’t have to fix it all today.

You don’t have to do it all alone.

Taking one small step forward will help take back some control.

Even being in community—where your feelings are seen and validated—is a powerful first step.

I created my KAREgiver's Connect community for this very reason.

To give you a place to show up honestly.

To share the messy middle. To be heard.

You are not a weak link in the chain.

You are the anchor.

Want more support?

Join us in KAREgiver's Connect on Facebook or download my Caregiver Survival Kit to get tools that help you care for yourself while providing care for your loved one without losing yourself in the process.