Caregiver Mental Health

Mental health is important to us all.  This session below is for you.  Guardians, conservators, family members, providers, CAREGIVERS!

Being Mindful of Caregiver Mental Health – 53 minutes

Self Care is a big buzzword these days, but what does it mean for those of us engaged in the challenging work of helping others? In this webinar, we explore the idea of self care beyond pedicures and pampering, and discuss ways to nourish ourselves and our spirits in order to be more present with those around us. We will discuss caregiver burnout and explore ways to support ourselves while supporting another person. This will include some practical exercises and suggestions for mindfulness practice, as well as exploring what bringing awareness to our experience can do for us.”

Laura Volmert, MA, LPC, is a Fairbanks based psychotherapist in private practice who has a background in mindfulness practice and meditation. She enjoys helping clients become better attuned to their own needs and the needs of those around them. She is the current ASAGA Board president and a former Court Visitor.

Here are a few of the sources I referenced in my presentation:

Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski

The work of Dr. Kristen Neff https://self-compassion.org/ (her website has a lot of wonderful resources)

The work of Hilary Kinavey and Dana Sturdevant https://benourished.org/

Human Giver Syndrome–Kate Manne

The work of Sonya Renee Taylor, particularly The Body Is Not An Apology

Here is the language I used in the guided meditation which was based on work by Kristen Neff and Christopher Germer

Everyone is on his or her own life journey.

I am not the cause of this person’s suffering

Nor is it entirely in my power to make their suffering go away, even if I wish I could.

There are times this relationship is difficult to bear, but I can choose to help when I can.