Crisis Navigation Partner®, Crisis Strategist, Communications Expert, Speaker, Podcast Guest
The holiday season is often seen as a time for rest, joy, and togetherness—but for leaders juggling work and care management for a loved one “time off” doesn’t exist. On top of that, early business closures and limited availability during the holidays can make an already challenging situation even harder to navigate. Instead of relaxing while tying red bows, family members managing care are angsting while untangling red tape. Attempting to balance a physical or mental health crisis with the emotional weight of the season can be an ever-changing 24/7 struggle. Amid the hustle and bustle, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed or wish for a return to your old “normal”. One strategy that can make a difference is choosing a sounding board: someone compassionate who can listen, help you gain clarity, and offer a fresh perspective when things feel chaotic. If you’re working while supporting one or more loved ones with chronic or terminal conditions, I’d love to hear from you. How do you manage the holidays while caring for someone you love? Let’s share strategies and support one another, during this holiday season and always. #CaregiverSupport #Thanksgiving #Holidays #CompassionateLeadership #Leadership #Healthcare #SelfCare #MentalHealth
Your suggestion to have key people supporting you is such a vital one. I know for me, when I was in the thick of it last year through supporting my mother's move, selling the family home and through my brother's terminal illness, having a couple very good friends who knew what was going on, "really" going on in my life, was so helpful. There were times where it was so overwhelming, so having someone who I trusted could listen and validate where I was and even give me advice (only when I asked for it) was invaluable. When you are the one that is "on" for others being supported by people outside the situation is critical. I don't think I would have made it through the last couple of years without that. My other advice is to take ANY opportunity to rest and nurture yourself!
Thank you for this - as someone with quite a few people in my life who I am supporting through challenges, I really relate to this. I am often reluctant to ask for help, but yesterday a friend asked if she could get me anything while she was at the grocery store and I actually said yes. It was just a few things and I did feel mildly guilty, yet I know she was happy to do it and it made things much, much easier for me. Right now there isn't much people can do to actually help me or my loved ones and I know that I hate feeling helpless when someone I love is struggling; letting my friend do something concrete for me made my life easier and she felt good about being able to do something valuable for me. It's a small win-win but for me it's pretty huge.