The Invisible Load of Caregiving

May 19, 2026

For Lisa, caregiving isn’t a temporary role. It’s become her everyday life. 

In 2023, she nursed her mom through cancer. Now, her father has the same disease and she’s there for him too.  

Like so many caregivers, Lisa is employed but she has stepped away from her job to be a full-time caregiver, while continuing to raise her children and care for her family.  

She finds caring for her family meaningful and deeply rewarding, but it isn’t always simple or straightforward. The emotional, practical, and financial considerations can be huge. 

For many, stepping into the caregiving role can mean adjusting work hours, taking unpaid leave, or leaving a job entirely, as Lisa did. The loss of income, combined with the added costs of caregiving, can cause significant stress and strain. 

“It’s a privilege to be a caregiver. I get to spend time with my dad and look after him throughout his cancer treatment. But there’s also a financial aspect to becoming a caregiver. Fortunately, I’m in a position to step away from work, but I recognize that isn’t a realistic situation for a lot of families.” – Lisa  

For Lisa, and so many others, caregiving isn’t just one job. It’s being a nurse, a driver, a cook, a financial planner, a listener, and an advocate; sometimes all in one day. It’s balancing needs, managing uncertainty, and making constant decisions, often with little time or support. 

And for those caring for both children and aging parents, the pressure can feel especially intense. Known as “sandwiched” caregivers, they are squeezed between the needs of two generations, often pulled in multiple directions, trying to meet everyone’s needs at once. Somewhere along the way, their own needs quietly move to the bottom of the list. 

“There’s so much to keep up on, and it’s ever changing. It’s a lot to juggle.” – Lisa 

Being a caregiver comes with responsibilities that can feel very heavy. There’s the emotional weight of worrying about someone you care about. The mental load of keeping track of everything. The physical toll of long days and stressful nights. And then there’s the part many don’t talk about: feeling like you have to hold it all together.  

“It’s hard to manage all the balls in the air, especially when you have other dependent family members. Those relationships often take a back seat and that comes with more guilt and more stress.” – Lisa 

Caregivers often become experts at pushing through. They show up even when they’re tired. They keep going even when they feel stretched thin. But that kind of constant giving can come at a cost. Caregiving can cause our health and mental well-being to suffer due to: 

• Chronic stress that develops into depression, anxiety, substance use problems or physical health problems 
• Distress, sleep and emotional problems 
• Exhaustion and burnout 
• Isolation and stigma 
• Strain on relationships 
• Feelings of overwhelm, loss of control, or grief  
• Loss of earnings and opportunities (social and financial) due to disruptions in paid employment and academic studies (e.g., ability to attend or succeed in school) 
• Financial pressures and debt 
• Less time for relaxation, vacation, self-care or rest 

“One of the most difficult things is living in constant anxiety. There’s an impending doom about what’s to come and it’s often not talked about between you and the person you’re caring for.” – Lisa 

What support can look like 

When someone depends on you, it can feel like there’s no room to pause. But without support, the risk of burnout is real. Stress builds. Exhaustion deepens. Mental health begins to suffer. And when that happens, it doesn’t just affect the caregiver; it also affects the person receiving care. 

Caregiving is an act of compassion. It’s rooted in love, commitment, and connection. But caregivers need care, too.  

Even small moments of relief can help caregivers reset, recharge, and feel less alone. Support can be as simple as a small, intentional action like: 

• Asking a friend or family member to step in for an hour  
• Talking to someone who understands what you’re going through   
• Setting boundaries, even in small ways  
• Making time to rest or do something that brings you joy  
• Speaking with a counsellor or accessing services in your community 

“Asking for help can be hard, especially when you get stuck in the everyday routine and carry aIl the knowledge in your head. Sometimes it can feel easier to do it yourself. Luckily, I have a great support network from my husband, kids, friends, and brother. Leaning on them has helped me not isolate.” – Lisa 

If you’re a caregiver 

There’s no perfect way to do caregiving. There’s no checklist that makes it all manageable. Your well-being matters. Taking care of yourself won’t take away from the care you give; it will help sustain it. And you deserve that support, too. 

May is National Caregiver Awareness Month. Thank you to Rexall and the Rexall Care Network for helping shine a light on the mental health of caregivers. Rexall Care Network’s support of CMHA helps ensure caregivers feel supported, connected, and cared for too.   

For more information, check out our Caregiver Self-Care resource and fact sheet.  

Resources 

If you or someone you love is struggling, please contact your local CMHA. 
 
9-8-8 is for anyone who is thinking about suicide, or who is worried about someone they know. Connect to a responder to get help without judgment. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime for support in English or French. For more information, visit 988.ca.