The Resiliency of Caregiving

(Guest blogger: Dr. Talya Steinberg)

In my previous posting, I discussed the topic of resilience among individuals with intellectual disabilities, bringing to light the adversities these individuals face on a daily basis.  Along with these individuals, those caring for them, parents and family, caregivers, etc., also face stress associated with an individuals’ diagnosis of an intellectual disability.

A diagnosis of an intellectual disability among a family member places demands on the rest of the family.  An individuals’ response to their diagnosis influences how each individual within the family as well as the family as a whole, function, and vice  versa. The family's response impacts the affected individual as well.  Family members and caregivers are vulnerable to burnout, which may be evidenced through symptoms associated with irritability, depression and fatigue.  Due to this vulnerability, resilience among parents, family members, and caregivers is crucial.

Maintaining balance is essential.  Supportive relationships outside the family help serve as protective factors that help contribute to the maintenance of resilience.  While the individual living with an intellectual disability needs support from family and caregivers, and may require additional services as a means of support, the family as a whole also needs support. Parents and caregivers need to learn as much as they can; the more you know, the better you can help your child and yourself.  The family may need information, additional resources, and encouragement to prevent the diagnosis of an intellectual disability from becoming the center of their lives.

Parents, caregivers, and other members of the family need to be patient, while also remaining hopeful.  It is important to remember to ask for help when it is needed. Talk to other parents of children with an intellectual disability. Most importantly take time for YOU.  It is crucial to nurture yourself and take the extra effort to make time for other relationships in order to build upon and maintain resilience.

Dr. Talya Steinberg received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2011 and is completing her postdoctoral training in Portland, Maine.  She endorses positive psychology principles and teaches resiliency skills with Dr. Breazeale.