Navigating the Emotional Toll of Caregiving: Realities and Resilience

Caring for an ill loved one is a profound act of dedication that often comes with an array of emotional, psychological, physical, and financial challenges. As the demands of caregiving increase, the mental health of caregivers can be significantly impacted, highlighting an urgent need for support and resources. This article explores the real-life experiences of three caregivers, illustrating their struggles, coping mechanisms, and the support systems they have sought in their journeys.

### The Weight of Responsibility: Sufyan Tsuri's Journey In early 2025, Sufyan Tsuri, a 36-year-old former therapy assistant from Singapore, made the life-altering decision to leave his job to care for his mother, who suffers from Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. His mother, now 71, has faced serious health complications, including multiple hospitalizations due to kidney damage and foot problems. "Her condition was getting harder to manage," Tsuri remarked, reflecting on the challenges of ensuring she adheres to her dietary restrictions and medication regimen.

With his mother diagnosed with diabetes since 2011, Tsuri has witnessed her health deteriorate significantly, leading to the loss of her left eye due to complications. His journey as a caregiver has not only been about physical support but also emotional labor, as he grapples with his own mental health struggles. After attending the Caregivers Alliance Limited's 12-week Caregivers-to-Caregivers Training Programme in 2021, Tsuri learned vital caregiving skills, yet he continued to fight feelings of sadness and isolation.

In 2024, he was diagnosed with low-grade depression, or dysthymia, after seeking help from a local general practitioner who referred him to the Institute of Mental Health. Tsuri's story underscores the critical need for mental health support for caregivers, as many may experience similar feelings of overwhelming responsibility and guilt.

### The Unyielding Burden: Florence Chuah's Experience Florence Chuah, a 64-year-old former pre-school supervisor, faced her own set of challenges as the primary caregiver for her elder sister, who was diagnosed with gall bladder cancer in February 2024. The emotional and physical toll of caregiving was evident as she scoured local bakeries for eggless cupcakes to fulfill her sister's last wish. "It just made me feel so lousy, and I kept scolding myself. Why, why, why couldn’t I complete such a simple task for her?" she said, revealing the immense pressure caregivers often place upon themselves.

Chuah's caregiving journey intensified after her sister's health declined, leading her to seek assistance from professional caregivers and friends. Despite not facing financial difficulties, the emotional weight of caregiving resulted in significant stress and anxiety. Chuah recounted sleepless nights filled with thoughts about her sister's condition and the fear of loss. After her sister's passing in November 2024, Chuah found herself continuing the caregiving role for another sibling who was also in hospice care, showcasing the cyclical nature of caregiver responsibilities within families.

### The Struggles of Parenting a Child with Autism: Chiang Kok Keong Chiang Kok Keong, a banking transformation executive, faces distinct challenges as the father of a teenage son with autism spectrum disorder. His 19-year-old son, Wai Jeon, exhibits aggressive behavior, which has strained family dynamics. "Imagine being hit by your son every two weeks," Chiang reflected, revealing the complexity of emotions involved in caregiving for a child with special needs.

Chiang has exhausted various psychological interventions for his son, who experienced a culture shock when transitioning from a specialized school to a mainstream educational environment. The challenges have resulted in emotional distress for both father and son, with Chiang expressing a deep desire for his son to find meaningful employment opportunities that align with his interests. “People shouldn’t give them a job because they pity them. They should be given opportunities to do something that they like to do,” he emphasized, advocating for a shift in societal perceptions towards neurodivergent individuals.

### The Need for Support and Resources The experiences of Tsuri, Chuah, and Chiang highlight a critical gap in the support systems available for caregivers. According to a 2023 report by the World Health Organization, caregivers often experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, necessitating immediate attention and resources to support their mental health and wellbeing.

Local organizations, such as Caregivers Alliance Limited, play a pivotal role in providing training and resources; however, the demand for comprehensive mental health support continues to grow. Experts, including Dr. Emily Chen, Clinical Psychologist at the National University of Singapore, stress the importance of addressing caregiver mental health through accessible support services, noting that, “Without adequate support, caregivers may struggle to provide the care their loved ones need.”

### Conclusion: Towards a Supportive Future The experiences of these caregivers illuminate a pressing societal issue: the need for a robust support system for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. As caregiving responsibilities grow, so too must the resources and support available to caregivers. Initiatives that foster community support, mental health resources, and training programs are essential in alleviating the burdens faced by caregivers. Moving forward, it is imperative that society acknowledges and addresses the intricate challenges of caregiving to ensure that both caregivers and their loved ones can thrive.